Iaciofano scores off Cambron assist in regulation

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – With the second overtime nearing expiration and Tennessee Tech locked in a 1-1 tie at Jacksonville State Friday night, Kris Cambron drove the golden goal from 40 yards out into the back of the Gamecock goal, giving Tech its first Ohio Valley Conference victory of the season in dramatic fashion.

The Golden Eagles and Gamecocks played nearly 19 scoreless overtime minutes before Cambron's game-winner came with the clock reading 108:12.

The win was crucial for Tech in its attempt to qualify for the OVC Tournament. The Golden Eagles improved to 1-4 in league play and 4-10-1 overall and inched closer to the top six seed required to qualify for postseason play with four regular-season games remaining.

In addition to her overtime goal, Cambron provided the assist on Tech's first score of the night, finding  forward Ellie Iaciofano in the 64^th minute. Iaciofano scored her third goal of the season to the back post, giving the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead.

Cambron and Iaciofano now share Tech's team points lead with seven apiece this season. Iaciofano, a sophomore from Loveland, Ohio, has scored three goals and distributed one assist while Cambron has scored two goals and given out three assists. Cambron, a junior from Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., is the Golden Eagles' leader in assists.

Jacksonville State answered Iaciofano's goal in the 82^nd minute when Chelsea Pelletier scored on a header from inside the box off an assist from Lindsay Boehmler. The equalizer held up through the end of regulation, sending Tech to its third overtime contest of the year, where the Golden Eagles are now 1-1-1.

Tech outshot JSU 19-17 and put seven shots on goal while a staunch defensive effort limited the Gamecocks to just three shots on goal. Cambron and Sarah Gawthrop each accounted for three of the Golden Eagles' shots on goal. TTU took three corner kicks compared to two for Jacksonville State.

Tech goalkeeper Becca Toler notched two saves on the evening while JSU's Katelyn Geddings had four.

The Golden Eagles are off on Sunday and return to action Friday, Oct. 14 against Murray State. The match is set for 3 p.m. at Tech Soccer Field and is designated the "Think Pink" game in support of breast cancer awareness. Players will throw out pink T-shirts to the crowd and wear pink wristbands during the game. Fans are encouraged to wear pink and invited to donate the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Admission is free.