Oct. 15, 2008

By: Bryce Weymouth, Sport Information Assistant

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (October 14, 2008)- The Redhawks will continue to look for their first OVC win as they open up their two game weekend road trip this Friday against Austin Peay University with a start time of 7 p.m. at Govs Stadium in Clarksville, Tenn. Sunday the Redhawks will travel to Cookeville, Tenn. as they take on Tennessee Tech at Tech Soccer Field with a start time of 1 p.m.

The Redhawks (1-7-3, 0-3-2 OVC) are coming off a two game homestand, which resulted with a tie against Morehead State and a loss to Eastern Kentucky.

In goal Jessica Beckham (1-7-3) recorded her first shutout of the season on Friday as she recorded eight saves against Morehead State. Beckham has tallied 55 saves this season while allowing only 12 goals in 11 matches, for a goals against average of 1.07.

The Redhawks took a season-high 17 shots on Sunday, six coming off the foot of senior Nicole Bussman. Unfortunately the Redhawks were unable to find the back of the net as they fell to the Colonels 1-0. Junior Rachel Harrington saw her first action in goal this season, as she replaced Jessica Beckham after the first half. Harrington recorded one save and didn’t allow a goal.

Ashley Runion continues to lead the Redhawks with 22 shots this season. Runion has recorded one goal and one assist this season as she has compiled a total of three points. Megan McGrath leads the Redhawks with four points this season as she has tallied one goal and two assists.

Scouting the Lady Govs

The Lady Govs (4-9-1, 1-2-1 OVC) are currently seventh in the OVC and recorded their fourth overall victory of the season on Sunday as they defeated VMI. Ashley Michels tallied her first two goals of the season as she paced the Lady Govs to the 4-1 victory.

Rian Barger leads the offense for the Lady Govs as she is tied for fourth in the OVC with four goals this season. Barger has also added an assist to give her a total of nine points for the season. Alanna Foster has also compiled nine points this season, as she has tallied three goals and three assists.

Carley Newman (3-4) anchors the Lady Govs defense as she is sixth in the OVC with a goals against average of 1.64. Newman has recorded three shutouts and 54 saves this season with a saves percentage of .771.

The Redhawks lead the all-time series 6-1, with their only loss coming in a 1-0 overtime match in 2006. The Redhawks would later defeat the Lady Govs in the OVC tournament well on their way to their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

Scouting the Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles (3-10-1, 2-1-1 OVC) are currently sitting in fifth place in the OVC. The Golden Eagles are coming off their second OVC victory of the season as they defeated Austin Peay Friday.

Ashley Smith is tied for fourth in the OVC with 10 points this season as she leads the way for the Golden Eagles. Smith has tallied four goals and two assists. Kaitlyn Thacker (1-7-1) is third in the OVC with 76 saves this season. Thacker has allowed 35 goals this season, for a goals against average of 3.23. Thacker has recorded two shutouts this season.

The Redhawks lead the all-time series 7-3-1. Last year the Redhawks won the match-up 3-0 as Runion and Casey Kraft recorded a goal each.