Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
9-4-4, 4-1-3
Valparaiso
4-8-4, 1-4-3
Racers Clinch MVC Tournament Spot With Fourth Straight Win
10/26/2025 4:27:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Valparaiso, Ind. – The Murray State Racers earned their fourth consecutive win Sunday, defeating Valparaiso 1-0 on the road to clinch a spot in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
An evenly matched first half led to a 0-0 score at halftime, with both teams taking five shots apiece.
"When you have the weapons that we have on the field, something is always going to happen," head coach Matt Lodge said. "I always tell the girls, do your thing. We've prepared you enough."
The Racers (9-4-4, 4-1-3 MVC) came out of the break with aggression, taking 13 shots in the second half. Senior Mary Hardy netted the game-winner in the 80th minute, assisted by Sydney Etter and Addison Howell.
"Coming to Chicago and getting six points is something we've never done, and something that's hard to do," Lodge said. "It's a long week away from home, not in your own bed, and two tough teams."
The Racers now boast 15 conference points, the most in a season since joining the MVC. Their nine wins are also the most in a season since 2021, when they finished 9-8-1.
Hardy's goal brought her season total to five, making her the first Racer to record at least five goals and five assists in a single season since Miyah Watford and Abby Jones both did so in 2019.
Murray State outshot Valparaiso (4-8-4, 1-4-3 MVC) 18-12, with six Racers taking multiple shots. Hardy and Breece Bass led the way with four each.
The Racers look to extend their win streak to five when they travel to Terre Haute, Indiana, for their regular-season finale against Indiana State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.
For more information on the Murray State women's soccer program, visit GoRacers.com or follow @RacersSoccer on X and Instagram.
Team Stats
Mary Hardy (5)
Assisted By: Sydney Etter , Addison Howell
GOAL by MSU Hardy, Mary Assist by Etter, Sydney and Howell, Addison.
79:45
