COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech freshman Andrea Meloff netted her team-leading fourth goal of the season off a penalty kick in the second half against Murray State on Sunday, but the Golden Eagle soccer team couldn’t overcome the Racers’ three first half goals, as Murray State topped Tech 3-1.

The Racers out-shot Tech 18-9, including an 11-2 advantage in shots on goal. Tech goalkeeper Kaitlyn Thacker played all 90 minutes and had eight saves for the Golden Eagles. Murray State keeper Katie Walsh had one save.

Murray State’s Nicole Evans got the scoring started for the Racers in the eighth minute, finding the top left corner of the net from about 15 yards out off an assist from Audrey Wilson. Evans later assisted a goal from Danielle McMurray, and Rachel Longley scored unassisted off a rebound in front of the net to put MSU ahead 3-0 before halftime.

Meloff’s penalty kick gave Tech momentum in the second half, and the Golden Eagles had a couple more great chances at the net in the ensuing moments, but couldn’t capitalize.

Each team had four corner kicks in the contest, and two yellow cards. Sophie Hargreaves and Katie Wilson were cautioned for Murray State, along with Jen Hoffman and Kerri Reid for Tech.

Tech falls to 2-7-1 overall and 1-1-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play, while Murray State, the defending conference regular season champion, improves to 4-4-1 overall and 2-0-0 in OVC play.

The Golden Eagles will continue OVC play next weekend with a visit to Eastern Kentucky on Oct. 2, before hosting Morehead State on Oct. 4. Admission to all Tech home soccer matches is free.