CLARKSVILLE - A win streak is extended for Austin Peay State University women's soccer team as a dire streak is ended in the Lady Govs 1-0 Ohio Valley Conference win against Eastern Illinois, Friday night.

It was the sixth-straight home win for the Lady Govs, improving them to 9-2 overall with a 1-0 league record. More importantly, the win ended a 15-game stretch without an OVC win, the last coming Sept. 26, 2008 against Jacksonville State.

"It's exciting and rewarding, but we have a long journey ahead," head coach Kelley Guth said. "I'm glad we got the win today and hope we got the nerves out of our system. I'm proud of the effort. I hope it's a confidence builder for our team and a motivator to come out and play hard on Sunday."

Freshman Tatiana Ariza scored the game's only goal in the 28^th minute. The Austin Peay attack flooded the box and Ariza was able to get behind the Panther defense. Her shot bounded off a defender, then off the post and in the net past EIU keeper Kaylin Lorbert.

"We were being very threatening and Tatiana got in behind," Guth said, describing the Lady Govs goal. "Tatiana created a number of opportunities in that exact same situation and we're fortunate that the chaos that was created allowed that one to get through."

Lorbert was otherwise stellar in net. She finished with six saves, including a brilliant stop on a penalty kick by freshman Natalia Ariza.

In what may have been the season's most physical match for Austin Peay, the Lady Govs were determined to show that their non-conference run was no fluke. Eastern Illinois attempted to back Austin Peay in on defense early, but a strong back line led by seniors Hannah Jones and Samantha Northrup thwarted the Panthers.

After having Kaitlin Sullivan's shot blocked in the fourth minute, the Panthers would not get close enough for another until the 62^nd minute. Austin Peay ended up outshooting Eastern Illinois 15-5, including a 7-2 shots-on-goal advantage.

"Give credit to Eastern Illinois," Guth said. "They battled for 90 minutes just like every other team in our conference is going to do. We have to make sure we come out and play our game."

Tatiana led the Lady Govs with six shots, while Natalia had three shots, all on goal. Sullivan and Erika Prazma each had two shots for Eastern Illinois.

Austin Peay continues OVC play when it hosts Southeast Missouri in a 2 p.m., Sunday match at Morgan Brothers Soccer Field. The game will broadcast free on OVCSports.tv.

-AP-