CLARKSVILLE – Looking to separate from the pack, Austin Peay State University women's soccer team hosts Jacksonville State in a critical Ohio Valley Conference match, 5 p.m., Friday.
The Govs (6-4-1, 1-2-1 OVC) slipped up twice on the road last weekend, falling in overtime against SIU Edwardsville and Eastern Illinois, who currently occupy the top two spots in the OVC standings.
While the Govs have struggled on the road in past years, games at home have been a different story. Friday's match gives APSU a chance to extend its program record 14-match conference unbeaten streak at home and 21-match overall unbeaten streak at home. The Govs have four wins and a draw at home this season and have showed resiliency as well. The Govs came from behind twice in as many games to defeat Chattanooga and earn a draw against Belmont in the OVC opener. Austin Peay defeated Tennessee Tech in its most recent home outing two weekends ago, 1-0, courtesy of a Claire Larose goal.
Speaking of Larose, the sophomore attacker leads the Govs with five goals and remains second in the OVC in goals scored. Larose is also one of seven Govs to have started every game this season. The others include the midfield pairing of Katie Costantino and Morgan Drawdy, a trio on defense in Jennifer Smith, Caroline Wistrom, and Renee Semaan, as well as goalkeeper Mary Parker Powell.
Opponent Spotlight
The Gamecocks (3-5-2, 1-1 OVC) went through a rough patch in the middle part of their season, but defeated Southeast Missouri in their most recent outing. JSU is led by Claire Petersen in the attack, as she has scored three goals and registered one assist to lead the team. The Gamecocks have played two common opponents this season, losing to Tennessee Tech and Mercer, two teams the Govs defeated. The Govs are 6-7-2 against the Gamecocks all-time, but lost last season's meeting, 3-2. Drawdy had both goals as the Govs fell, even though they outshot the Gamecocks.
The game will have live stats that fans can follow along with. The game will also be broadcast on the OVC Digital Network. For fans that are attending, admission is always free.
