CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Despite a valiant come-from-behind effort, Austin Peay State University women's soccer team lost a 4-3 decision at Chattanooga, Sunday. The Lady Govs fell to 1-7-1, while the Lady Mocs remain undefeated at 5-0 overall.

Chattanooga is amidst the best start in program history.

The Lady Govs, who open the Ohio Valley Conference portion of their schedule, Friday, had not scored since their home-opening win against Cumberland. Suffering through a montage of injuries, head coach Kelley Guth had only 13 available players for Sunday's match.

Junior Kellie Cannon enjoyed a breakout performance, scoring two goals – only two games after returning from what was thought to be a season-ending injury. Cannon scored the game's first goal came off her rebound in the 10th minute, giving Austin Peay an early 1-0 lead. Chattanooga, however, pulled the Austin Peay keeper with a cross and Donna-Kay Henry evened the score in the 33rd minute, taking a 1-1 tie into the break.

In the second half, the Lady Mocs took advantage of early disorganization in the Austin Peay defense, as Kelly Downs scored at the 45:59 mark to open the frame. Chattanooga would score twice over the next 15 minutes to take a 4-1 lead with less than 30 minutes remaining.

“It was a very wet and sloppy game,” Guth said. “We had a breakdown in the second half, but we showed some resiliency in fighting our way back. Being able to come out and battle like we did was good to see. That's the kind of effort we need to be showing every day.”

Austin Peay would not go away, pressuring for three corner kicks in the second half. Junior Samantha Northrup scored off a deflection in the 76th minute to make it 4-2. The Lady Govs continued to work on their end of the field which led to a Chattanooga foul in the box. Cannon beat the Lady Mocs keeper, cutting the lead to 4-3, where it would stand.

The Lady Govs played an efficient offensive game, firing seven shots and putting five on goal. Cannon put all three of her shots on goal.

“We're not happy with the result,” Guth said. “We still have a really short bench and to have Kellie back is great because we thought we had lost her for the season. It was good to be able to generate some scoring opportunities. We still have to address the breakdowns in our defensive, but today we saw that if we just go after it, good things will happen.”

Austin Peay returns to the pitch hosting Ohio Valley Conference rival Morehead State in a 7 p.m., Friday match.

-AP-