Story by Adam Redfern
Staff Writer
An injury riddled Murray State fought its way to a 2-1 win against Austin Peay State University.
The Racers had to play without four starters in sophomore forward Kayla Travis, sophomore midfielder Izzy Heckman, senior forward Caroline Ashton, and sophomore forward Annamarie Arino, who were all out with injuries.
Despite the multitude of injuries, Murray State was able to get on the board first. Sophomore forward Rebecca Kubin scored 12 minutes into the game, to take a 1-0 Racers lead. The Racers doubled their lead when Kubin found the back of the net again in the 30th minute.
The injury bug continued to bite the Racers when sophomore midfielder Symone Cooper had to leave the field after a collision made her collapse and grab her knee. Cooper has just recovered from a previously injured knee.
Murray State went into the second half with a 2-0 lead thanks to Kubin.
Shortly after the start of the second half the Racers mispassed a ball to senior goalkeeper Alex Steigerwald. Austin Peay’s senior forward Caroline Wistrom blocked Steigerwald’s attempt at a clearance, then Wistrom chipped Steigerwald from the back left corner of the box, halving the Racers lead 2-1.
Junior forward Miyah Watford had a chance to score when the ball came off the arms of Austin Peay’s junior goalkeeper Mary Powell. However, one of Austin Peay’s defenders came off the line and cleared the ball from the goal line.
The Racers defense was very active against the Governors. Steigerwald did not get much work in the game, only having to save two balls for the night. The Governors only shot a measly two attempts during the second half.
Murray State, now 9-3-1 (5-2), will play its next game against Belmont University at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14, at Cutchin Field.
