MOBILE, Ala. – Austin Peay State University women's soccer team fell behind early in its initial match of the Jaguar Classic, Friday, at The Cage, leading to a 0-4 loss against Troy.
The Lady Govs fall to 1-3-0 on the year after their second-straight loss, while the Trojans improve to 5-1-0.
Austin Peay looked to catch the opposition off guard in the first minute, with sophomore Kirstin Robertson testing the keeper with a shot on goal. After the save was made, Troy stormed out of the gates seconds later to find a scoring chance at the top of the 18-yard box. A cross by Brooke McKee was delivered to Chelsey Williams, who scored her first of three goals on the evening.
As Austin Peay fought to regain momentum, the Trojans maintained its rhythm early in the contest. The duo of McKee and Williams struck once again in the ninth minute with a cross from the byline sent six yards in front of the keeper, where Williams would power it home.
Troy continued to put shots on net 15 minutes in, but sophomore keeper Lindsey Todd made three saves in that span to withstand the attack.
In the 37th minute, the Trojans pulled ahead 3-0 on a goal by Kristen Rendall. A ball was curled in from the right side, and the ensuing shot would get help from the far post as it deflected into the net.
The Lady Govs regrouped and made a keeper change after halftime, with senior Nikki Filippone playing the final 45 minutes. In the 56th minute, Williams put a bow on the hat trick. After a turnover, Williams sped off on a breakaway, evading the defense to place a shot in goal.
"We have to start stronger and not give up early goals," Austin Peay head coach Kelley Guth said. "We made some significant changes to our back line and midfield today. It's a process and our team just has to be better than we were today."
Freshman Jennifer Smith and senior Taylor Van Wagner each took two shots in the second half in a late charge by APSU. The Lady Govs were out-shot 21-11 in the contest.
Todd was handed the loss in goal after allowing three of four goals with five saves. Filippone also made five saves in her second appearance of the season.
Austin Peay continues play in the Jaguar Classic, 2:30 p.m., Sunday, against host South Alabama.
