CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University's soccer team suffered its season's first home loss in a 5-0 decision against Middle Tennessee, Friday night, at Morgan Bros. Soccer Field. It was the Lady Govs third-straight loss as they fall to 1-6-1, while the Blue Raiders improve to 6-1-1.

Middle Tennessee, which was ranked 10th in the Southeast Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America,  played an offensively aggressive game from the outset. In the first period, the Blue Raiders scored three times on nine shots. The first goal, in the fifth minute, came off a break down the right side. Hope Suominen took the feed from Regina Thomas and beat the Austin Peay keeper.

The second goal, again assisted by Thomas, was in similar fashion, but scored by Vanessa Mueggler. Shan Jones scored her season's seventh goal in the 39th minute to make it 3-0 at the break.

In the second half, the Lady Govs began to wear down. With several players out due to injuries, the Austin Peay bench was short. Middle Tennessee took advantage, netting two more goals in the final frame. MTSU's Whitney Jorgenson scored both second-half goals, using her speed to beat the undermanned Austin Peay defense.

Austin Peay was outshot, 23-11, by the Blue Raiders, including a 19-5 shots-on-goal advantage. MTSU also won the corner battle, 8-1.

Sophomore keeper Mackenzie Ladd had a career-high 11 saves for Austin Peay, while playing only the second half. Freshman Jazzmine Chandler and junior Mary Beth Burchett each had two shots.

The Lady Govs return to action on the road with a 1 p.m., Sunday, match at Chattanooga. That match will serve as the final tune-up before the Lady Govs enter Ohio Valley Conference play next weekend.

-AP-