OVC INSIDER: Insights, analysis and a behind-the-scenes look at the Ohio Valley Conference.
Women’s soccer preseason has begun in the OVC and teams are playing in their exhibition matches to work out the final kinks before the regular season starts on August 19th. With strong performances from many freshman players in the league the Ohio Valley Conference teams have a lot to look forward to with their upcoming seasons approaching. Here is a look at what has happened around the league last week in women’s soccer.
Austin Peay: The Governors started off strong with a 5-0 win over Freed Hardeman Friday night. Senior Jocelyn Murdoch tallied two goals in the first exhibition match for the team. With this unlimited substitution match head coach Kelley Guth was able to rest some players and spread minutes amongst the team.
To top off the weekend the Lady Govs had a strong second half against Saint Louis to propel them to a 3-2 win over the Billikens. Sophomore Tatiana Ariza scored a hat trick in the game scoring all three goal in the second half. Austin Peay is now looking to their season opener against Alabama A&M this Friday.
Eastern Illinois: The Panthers fell in their 2-1 in their exhibition match against the Indiana State Sycamores. Freshman Brooke Sill finished the Panthers lone goal off of a corner kick early in the match but it was not enough to hold off the Sycamores.
The Panthers had another tough loss in Saturday’s exhibition against Evansville. The Evansville Purple Aces scored an early goal in the opening minute to hold off the Panthers. The Panthers will look to open their season against Northern Iowa, Friday on the road.
Eastern Kentucky: In Eastern Kentucky’s lone exhibition match of the season the Colonels tied IPFW 1-1. Freshman Devon Saini finished her collegiate goal in their Friday night game against the Mastadons. Saini’s goal was a powerful shot from 20 yards out to beat IPFW goalkeeper Kristen McFadden. The Colonels’ season opener will be at home against a tough Louisville Cardinal team this Friday.
Jacksonville State: The Jacksonville State Gamecocks played an away match against Kennesaw State in preparation for their upcoming season. The game resulted in a 1-1 tie with Gamecocks’ junior Nathalee Lariviere scoring in the 23rd minute. Jacksonville State will begin its 16th season against Mercer on Friday.
Morehead State: The Eagles, who are favored to take first in the OVC this year, had a game at Indiana State for their lone exhibition match on Friday. Freshman Elizabeth Tresnak started her career as an Eagle strong with a goal to finish the game at a 1-1 tie. Tresnak scored her first goal 10 minutes into the second half to give Morehead the lead but unfortunately the Sycamores were able to respond 15 minutes later with a goal by senior Jessica Rosenberg. The regular season opener for Morehead will be against Valparaiso University this Friday.
Murray State: The Racers started off their preseason with their annual Blue/Gold scrimmage last week. This was a good opportunity for the players to get their first look at competitive action in the season. Freshman Julie Mooney scored the first goal in the scrimmage for the blue squad but the game was soon equalized by Veronika Pribyslavaka.
In their first exhibition match against UT-Chattanooga the Racers fell in a 2-1 loss. Murray State went down early in the first half and was unable to come back from the deficit. Murray State will play their final exhibition match today, Monday Aug. 15, against Bethel. This will be their last opportunity to prepare for their season opener against Ball State.
Southeast Missouri: The Redhawks, another favorite this year in the OVC, had a tough exhibition match against Iowa State. The Redhawks fell to the Cyclones 5-0. Southeat Missouri will look to have a stronger start in their season opener against Illinois State Friday in Normal, Illinois.
SIU Edwardsville: The SIU Edwardsville Cougars also found Iowa State to be a hard opponent to beat in their exhibition match 6-1 loss. Freshman forward Michelle Auer scored the lone goal for the Cougars in the 34th minute. SIUE looks forward to their season opener this Friday night against Youngstown State in Kansas City, Mo.
Tennessee Tech: The Golden Eagles lone exhibition match against Alabama A&M was cancelled early last week but that did not stop the team from having a strong preparation in their preseason. Head coach Daniel Brizard has seen a strong sense of determination in his team as they set to begin his second season as head coach at Tennessee Tech. The Golden Eagles will look to test this determination in their season opener against UT Chattanooga on Friday followed by another test on Sunday against Belmont.
UT Martin: The Skyhawks played a close game against SEC opponent Ole Miss on Saturday night. A penalty kick in the 65th minute pushed the Ole Miss Rebels to a 1-0 victory over UT Martin. Freshman goalkeeper Mariah Klenke had an impressive debut for the Skyhawks that resulted in 5 saves during the match. This was a great opportunity for the Skyhawks to spread the minutes among many players, giving 18 players playing time. TheSkyhawks will begin their regular season with a home game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff this Friday.
