CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer picked up a gritty 0-0 draw on the road Thursday night against Austin Peay State University, posting the Screaming Eagles’ first shutout of the season.
Southern Indiana’s (0-6-2) second result of the season did not come easy, as the Eagles battled not only the Governors (2-3-2) on the field but also the elements with heavy downpours at times.
USI’s first opportunity came early at the 1:31 mark when sophomore midfielder Kerigan Kivisto fired a shot on goal but was saved by Austin Peay’s goalkeeper.
On the attacking end, USI had a couple of shots blocked and another shot on goal saved by Austin Peay during the first half of play.
Defensively, Southern Indiana’s backline unit was stellar, holding Austin Peay without a shot attempt in the first 45 minutes for the second consecutive meeting. USI also held the Govs without a shot in the first half in last year’s 2-0 home win.
The 0-0 deadlock in the rain continued into the start of the second half. Senior goalkeeper Zoe Lintner subbed in for redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Anna Markland at halftime. Lintner was quickly tested with a save in the first five minutes of the second half. USI’s defense continued to hold strong with multiple blocks.
As the aggression from both sides ramped up, the search for a goal also intensified. Southern Indiana’s attacking front quickly transitioned from the defensive half of the field to the offensive half.
The Screaming Eagles launched six shots in the last 12 minutes. Junior midfielder Emerson Grafton had three shots during that stretch including one off the crossbar at the under the eight-minute mark. Junior defender Brynn Quick also had a pair of attempts during the home stretch of the match.
Despite the stellar effort on both ends of the field and a strong defensive performance, the game ended the way it started, 0-0.
In goal, Lintner gloved four key saves in the second half, picking up where Markland left off to post a combined clean sheet.
Southern Indiana tallied 13 shots with five on goal. Quick had a team-high four shots, and Grafton had a team-best two shots on goal. Grafton and Kivisto each had three shot attempts.
Austin Peay finished with 11 shots and five on target.
Southern Indiana will look to build off the momentum from a solid performance on Thursday in its non-conference finale Sunday afternoon against Bellarmine University. Kickoff from Strassweg Field is at 1 p.m. Sunday.
The matchup against its former Great Lakes Valley Conference foe will be a redout. Fans are encouraged to wear red for Riley Hospital.
