CLARKSVILLE – Austin Peay State University women's soccer team will carry a 3-0-0 record into its second weekend road trip, traveling to Western Kentucky, 6 p.m., Friday, and Lipscomb, 5 p.m., Sunday.
The Governors are off to their hottest regular season start since 2013, outscoring opponents UAB, Alabama State and Evansville, 8-2. Two victories this weekend would equal the best record to open a campaign in program history (5-0-0), which came in 2010.
Austin Peay has combined its offensive weaponry with a strong defensive unit, leading to its early season success. The Govs have held opponents to only 18 shot attempts thus far, which can be contributed to a strong back line led by senior Mary Ruth Locastro. Locastro and company have had a knack for keeping shots away from goal, clearing incoming balls to lead offensive breaks.
On those counterattacks, the Govs have totaled 42 shots (21 on goal). After bagging her third goal of the season last Sunday against Evansville, junior Kirstin Robertson remains the team's top scorer. Just behind her are seniors Gina Fabbro – who buried a long-distance goal from roughly 30 yards out, Sunday – and Nicole Wojcik.
Western Kentucky enters Friday with a 1-2-0 record, with its lone win being a 7-1 victory over UT Martin, Aug. 19. Since then, the Hilltoppers have lost back-to-back matches at Memphis, 2-0, and Miami University, 3-2 (2OT). Seven of WKU's nine goals have been scored in the first half, and the contest against Austin Peay will be the team's home opener.
Lipscomb has played a challenging early-season schedule, with three of its first four matches coming against SEC schools – Vanderbilt (W, 2-0), Mississippi State (W, 1-0) and Ole Miss (L, 3-1). In addition, the Bisons drew against Belmont, 1-1, in their first match, and will host Middle Tennessee on Thursday before Sunday's date with APSU.
Last Time Against Opponents
Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers and Governors last met in 2013, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. The two programs have met on seven occasions, with WKU owning a 6-0-1 record in the series.
Lipscomb: A common opponent on Austin Peay's yearly schedule, Lipscomb has faced the Govs 13 times dating back to 2002. The last matchup came in 2014 with the Bisons earning a 2-0 win. However, APSU owns an 8-4-1 record in the series.
Keep An Eye On
McKenzie Dixon. After missing the season's first two matches, sophomore McKenzie Dixon has returned to her attacking role in 2016. Against Evansville, Dixon recorded the assist on Fabbro's goal, and played 60 minutes with one shot taken.
Defenders on the attack. Last Sunday, head coach Kelley Guth encouraged her team to press the action, which led to defenders such as senior Natalie Smith getting forward and attempting a shot on goal.
Isabel Holmes. After being limited in the preseason, sophomore Isabel Holmes has seen her minutes trend upward. In her 33 minutes last Sunday, Holmes attempted two shots, one of which needed a save by the opposing goalkeeper.
Follow the Govs Online
Be sure to follow all the Austin Peay soccer action at LetsGoPeay.com and the official Facebook page of Austin Peay Athletics. In addition, live play-by-play coverage can be found on Twitter (@AustinPeaySocr).
