Racers Clinch Playoff Berth with Win Over TTU

Sunday, October 18

Cookeville, Tenn.

1 p.m.

Murray State

11-4-0, 7-0-0

Tennessee Tech

7-6-3, 5-2-0

Murray St.

Tennessee Tech

10/18/2015 5:09:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

The Murray State Soccer team continues their record breaking season with a 2-1 win over Tennessee Tech. The Racers have now won their last six matches and remain perfect in OVC play. With the win, the Racers clinched a spot in the OVC postseason for the second year in a row. Taylor Richerson and Taylor Stevens scored the goals for MSU.

The Racers came out early to set the tempo for the match. In the 19^th minute, Stevens found Harriet Withers out in front. Withers dribbled out around defenders to find an open Richerson in front of the goal. With a hard kick, Richerson nailed a goal to give the Racers the 1-0 lead.

Alex Steigerwald was put to work early as she racked up five saves in the first half alone. One, a diving save off a header in the 36^thminute. Her efforts along with a strong MSU back line helped the Racers keep the 1-0 lead going into the half.

In the second half, Murray State would come out and score again. In the 57^th minute, the Racers would get the ball down into Eagle territory. With much movement in the box. Aaron Lankster was able to find Withers. Withers found Stevens who laid the ball in for a goal.

The Racers two goal lead would not hold. In the 69^th minute, Steigerwald came out for a save but was not able to get her hands on the ball. Tennessee Tech's Mackenzie Miller took a shot at an open goal that would be the first goal for the Eagles. It was the first goal allowed by the Racers in four matches.

Despite the late goal by TTU, the Racers would hang on to defeat the Eagles 2-1. Murray State improves to 7-0 in conference play and 11-4 overall. Tennessee Tech falls to 5-2 in OVC play and 7-6-2 overall. Murray State will make the OVC playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Richerson's goal would be her fifth of the season. Stevens scored her sixth goal, scoring in both of the weekend matches for the Racers. Withers had an assist in both goals. Steigerwald played a full 90 minutes for the Racers. She had eight saves and allowed one goal.

Murray State returns home to finish out the regular season with its next match being Friday at 3 p.m. against SIU Edwardsville. Live streaming will be available courtesy of the OVC Digital Network.