CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – With an opportunity to gain entry into the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament on the line, Austin Peay State University women’s soccer team travels to Murray State for its final regular-season match, 3 p.m., Thursday.
The Lady Govs (8-9-0, 4-5-0 OVC) are currently seventh in the standings with 12 points, one position out of the top six which advances to the postseason. The Racers (13-4, 9-0 OVC) have already clinched the regular-season title to earn a first-round bye, and are followed by Tennessee Tech (16 points), Morehead State (16), UT Martin (15), Southeast Missouri (13) and Jacksonville State (13).
Austin Peay is coming off two crucial wins last weekend, with both the offense and goalkeeping stepping up at an important time. Senior Shelby Olszewski led the attacking play up top, totaling two goals and two assists to claim OVC Offensive Player of the Week honors. In addition, sophomore Lindsey Todd was named Goalkeeper of the Week after picking up two shutout victories.
Murray State has proven to be the perennial team of the conference after maintaining an unblemished record of 9-0-0, leading to its first in-season title since 2008. With a win Thursday, the Racers would become the first team in OVC soccer history to go 10-0-0.
The Racers are led offensively by forward Taylor Richerson, who has recorded four goals and three assists in conference play. Midfielder/defender Taylor Stevens has been the squad’s steady contributor on the pitch with six goals and six assists in the OVC, including three game-winning scores. In net, Alex Steigerwald leads all OVC keepers in goals-against average (0.67) and save percentage (.891).