DAYTON, Ohio ?  Austin Peay State University women's soccer team opened its season with a 2-1 loss to Evansville at the Wright State Soccer Classic, Friday. The Lady Govs posted an early goal, but the Aces countered with a pair of answered goals to seal the win. It's the second-straight year Austin Peay has opened its season losing to Evansville.

Junior Ashley Beck took little time reassuring head coach Kelley Guth that she was the striker on this team. In the 16th minute, she came up with an Evansville turnover that brought the defending keeper 10 yards out of net for the easy score. The 1-0 lead would not hold up,

After four Evansville corner kicks, UE's Rocky Hearst sliced a long pass up the middle to Mia Tofano for the game-tying score. The Purple Aces outshot the Lady Govs 6-3 in the first half, also carrying a 6-0 advantage on corner kicks.

The second half saw the Austin Peay offense become nonexistent as Evansville continued with a onslaught of offensive attacks. Heidi Grey sent a deflection to the back of the net for the game-winner in the 56th minute. Evansville rattled off seven shots to Austin Peay's two in the second half.

Beck recorded two shots for the Lady Govs, while junior Elyse Lovelace and freshmen Samantha Northrop and Kellie Cannon each recorded one shot. Sophomore goalkeeper Michelle Smith finished allowing two goals and making three stops.

Kayla Lambert had three shots, two on goal, for Evansville, while Tofano and Grey each had a pair of shots.

The Lady Govs return to action with a 2 p.m., Sunday match against host Wright State to conclude the WSU Soccer Classic.

-AP-