CLARKSVILLE - Austin Peay State University women's soccer team picked up an important 2-0 win against SIU Edwardsville, Friday night, at Morgan Brothers Soccer Field.

Sophomore Natalia Ariza blasted the gamewinner in the 26^th minute, giving APSU a 1-0 lead. The Lady Govs were assembling in front of the Cougar goal when Ariza came up with the deflected ball about 15-yards out and bent it past the diving keeper.

"One thing we worked on a lot this week was our offensive patterns and set plays in front of goal," head coach Kelley Guth said. "We created a good scoring opportunity there and Natalia was able to finish. It's encouraging to see that unfold.

"We looked more dangerous tonight. It was a great start to the weekend. This win gives us some important momentum heading into Sunday."

The win improved Austin Peay to 2-3-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play and 8-6-1 overall. SIU Edwardsville dropped to 5-8-1 overall with a 3-4 OVC mark. The Cougars become eligible for postseason play next season.

Playing with a lead, the Lady Govs were able to become more aggressive in the midfield and forced SIU Edwardsville to take chances in the open field. Austin Peay's defense, led by junior Renny Robinson and freshman Taylor Van Wagner in the middle along with sophomores Corey Osborn and Emily Kink on the outside, held SIUE to only six shots in the game.

Austin Peay scored the second goal when sophomore Andy Quiceno was pulled down in the box, setting up the penalty kick. Sophomore Tatiana Ariza scored the penalty kick in the 82^nd-minute for the insurance goal.

The Lady Govs had 15 shots in the game, three each by junior Emily Perkins and both Tatiana and Natalia Ariza. Junior Jocelyn Murdoch and sophomore Emily Kink both had two shots as well.

However, a costly 82^nd-minute red card to Quiceno will hurt the Lady Govs when they face Eastern Illinois, Sunday. The Lady Govs used only one substitute in Friday's game and will be without Quiceno for Sunday's match.

"It's unfortunate that we're going to be without Andy on Sunday," Guth said. "Tonight she played her best game all season. We'll have to make some adjustments on move on."

-AP-