CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Aniyah Mack became the first Austin Peay State University freshman since 2015 to net four goals in a season with her 55th-minute score, while Katie Bahn's eight saves in the Governors' 2-1 Atlantic Sun Conference opening-victory, Thursday, at Morgan Bros. Soccer Field are the most by a goalkeeper since 2019.

For the fourth time this season, Austin Peay (3-5-1, 1-0 ASUN) struck first with Ellie Dreas finding the back of the net on the Govs' first attempt of the night following a cross by Carolyne Young and pass by Kasidy Schenk.

Despite six shots and five attempts on goal by Bellarmine (3-3-2, 0-1 ASUN), the Govs held their 1-0 advantage into the half.

Mack extended APSU's lead on her – and the Govs – first shot of the second period. After her initial shot was saved by the Knight's goalkeeper, the Cincinnati, Ohio native corralled the rebound and fired it for her fourth goal in the last six matches.

Mack tallied each of the Govs' four shots on net in the second half, all coming between the 55th and 65th minutes.

Bellarmine cut its deficit to one following a 75th-minute score, but a pair of 86th and 88th-minute saves by Bahn resulted in the Govs claiming the win in the ASUN opener.

Inside The Box Score

• Austin Peay improved to 1-1 in ASUN openers in Thursday's win.
• The Govs' victory was their 77th at Morgan Bros. Soccer Field, improving them to 77-53-24 all-time on their home field.
• With her goal, Aniyah Mack became the first Austin Peay freshman with at least four goals since McKenzie Dixon had nine during her rookie campaign in 2015.
• Mack's five shots on goal are tied for the most by a Gov since APSU Hall of Famer Tatiana Ariza had eight against Eastern Illinois, Oct. 2013.
• Katie Bahn's eight saves are the most since Mary Parker Powell had 11 against Murray State, Oct. 2019.
• Austin Peay improved to 3-0-1 when scoring first this season, and 3-0 when scoring at least two goals.
• The Govs also improved to 2-0 this season when leading at the half.
• Lindsey McMahon was one of five Govs to play all 90 minutes. The Fountain Hills, Arizona native has started all 44 games of her career and has gone the distance in 35 of her last 36 appearances.
• Kasidy Schenk and Carolyne Young each tallied their second assist of the season on Ellie Dreas' 22nd-minute goal. Their assists tie them with Lindsey McMahon for the best on the team.

Up Next

The Governors begin another extended road trip this weekend when they travel to Richmond, Kentucky to face longtime rival, Eastern Kentucky in a 12 p.m. (CT), Sunday contest against the Colonels. Following their weekend tilt against EKU, the Govs travel make their first of two trips to the Sunshine State, beginning with a 6 p.m. (CT), Sept. 21 match against Jacksonville before wrapping up the road trip at North Florida, Sept. 24.

Coach's Corner

With head coach Kim McGowan

On the win… "Clarksville brought the heat tonight. We had the students there, the community, and the athletic department. Home field advantage is a real thing here at The Peay."

On Aniyah Mack… " Aniyah continues to be a problem for other teams. Her work rate on and off the ball makes her dangerous at all times. I am really proud of her."

On the defense… " The defensive has faced some adversity early on this season. But Between captain Tori Case and Lindsey McMahon, we're getting things tightened up and better for conference."

On what it will take for this team to continue momentum heading into the three-match road trip… "This team feeds off energy and vibes. Each success, the fire builds and we're getting hot at the right time."

Follow The Govs On Social

For news and updates throughout the Governors' 2023 campaign, follow the soccer team on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok (@GovsWSOC) and on Facebook (Austin Peay Soccer). Or check back at LetsGoPeay.com.