CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University women's soccer team hits the road for its season's final road trip with a 7 p.m., Friday match at Jacksonville State, followed by a 2 p.m., Sunday match at Tennessee Tech.

The weekend is pivotal for the Lady Govs, in terms of a postseason appearance, as the Gamecocks are currently in last place, while the Golden Eagles are tied for first. With only four Ohio Valley Conference matches remaining, Austin Peay is looking to make a move into the top-six for a spot in the championship tournament. The Lady Govs picked up a tie at Southeast Missouri, but lost 1-0 at Eastern Illinois, last weekend.

“We are very focused and determined to rebound from last weekend's loss at EIU,” said Lady Govs head coach Kelley Guth. “Our team understands that we have got to get the results this weekend to battle for a position in the post-season tournament.”  

After allowing only one goal, last weekend, the Lady Govs continue to work on improving their ability to capitalize in the attacking third. The defense has held strong, with junior goalkeeper Carley Newman being named the league's Goalkeeper of the Week following a 17-save outing at Southeast Missouri, last Friday. The challenge for the Lady Govs continues to be getting points on the board.

So far, the only Austin Peay goal scored in conference action came from Monique Wong in the first minute of the league opener against Morehead State. Since then, the Lady Govs have been shut out in three straight matches. Wong, along with junior Kellie Cannon lead the Lady Govs with two goals each. Cannon, who has been battling injuries all season, is continuing to gain more time on the field after a bout with illness.

“It has been a struggle to find a rhythm so far this season with the injuries we have suffered,” Guth said. “Anytime you have players out for significant periods of time it has an effect on the team's momentum. Our team is determined to go out there and put forth their best effort this weekend.”  

Jacksonville State also has struggled against conference opponents, having lost four straight since entering league play, scoring only two goals, while allowing seven in that span. The Gamecocks lead the all-time series with the Lady Govs, 2-3-1, but have never lost a home game to Austin Peay. Amber DeLaney leads the offense with six goals, while Chelsea Pelleteir and Ariel Jones have each added four goals.

Tennessee Tech struggled in the non-conference season, but has seemingly found rhythm in OVC play. Coming off a pair of overtime matches last weekend – a 2-1 win at Eastern Kentucky and a scoreless tie at Morehead State – the Golden Eagles also host Longwood in a Thursday, non-conference match. Jen Hoffman and Andrea Meloff each have four goals, while keeper Kaitlyn Thacker brings a 1.33 goals-against average and 65 saves.

“They're both extremely competitive, much like every conference opponent we've faced this season,” said Guth. “JSU will be fired up to play us. (Tennessee) Tech has had a strong start to the conference schedule, but we'll be ready for that challenge come Sunday.”


-AP-