By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information
MURRAY, Ky. – A Murray State first-half score was the difference Tuesday afternoon, as the Racers split the pipes in the 20th minute on their way to a 1-0 win over the Tennessee Tech team soccer team.
Tech's narrow defeat marked the sixth time in six matches that the Golden Eagles (3-3-0) have played to a 1-0 margin this spring.
Scoreless nearly midway through the opening stanza, an Isabelle Austin foul in front of the net led to a Murray State penalty shot for the tilt's first real opportunity at separating the 0-0 knot. The Racers (6-1-0) called on Lauren Payne, who buried the try in the 20th minute for the match's only goal and just third score surrendered this season for TTU, second-fewest in the OVC.
Despite the loss, the Golden Eagles did outshoot Murray, 14-11, a season-high in attempts for Tech this spring. Meg Ivey and Bailey Taylor posted a season-high three shots each to pace the purple and gold in attempts. Ivey also led the TTU charge with two shots on-goal, her first attempts on-point this season.
Abby Jones led the Racers with three shots, all of which were on-goal.
Murray State took nine corners in the match, while the Golden Eagles lined up five over the course of 90 minutes.
Isabelle Austin collected five stops in the match, allowing only the penalty kick net-finder less than 20 minutes in. Jenna Villacres posted six saves, including a last-ditch Tech effort by Selma Askildsen 24 seconds from the finish.
With four matches remaining in the regular season, the Golden Eagles will return home for a Friday evening, in-state showdown with UT Martin at Tech Soccer Field. First kick in Cookeville is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
File photo by Morehead State Athletics
