Despite a heroic effort by senior goalkeeper Anna Hall, the No. 3 Eastern Kentucky University soccer team fell to No. 1 Murray State, 1-0, in overtime in the Ohio Valley Conference title game on Sunday afternoon at Cutchin Field.
Hall recorded 13 saves on the day, one shy of her career-high and many of which were diving, highlight-reel stops. The senior’s performance against a pressing Murray State offense kept the Colonels in the game.
Hall, senior midfielder Allison Werner and junior defender Haley Kemper were named to the OVC All-Tournament Team following the match.
“Today did not finish the way we wanted but we are still incredibly proud of what this team has done throughout the season,” head coach Nick Flohre said. “The team has continued to take the program to new heights and these players have represented EKU the right way.”
In the 93rd minute, Murray State (15-1-2) fired a shot that hit the top of the crossbar and volleyed back to Miyah Watford, who placed a shot into the back of the net to win it for the Racers.
Junior midfielder Bailly Bounds and sophomore forward Erin Torrence led the Colonels with two shots on the afternoon.
Shaffer and Kemper played all 93 minutes on the EKU backline in the game.
Hall finishes her career with 23 shutouts, tied for most in program history.
It was EKU’s (11-5-4) second consecutive appearance in the OVC title game.
“We also want to thank our seniors who have led this team all year,” continued Flohre. “They have set the standard for how a class can impact the program. We are going to miss them.”
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Steve Fohl
Associate Director of EKUSports Communications