MARTIN, Tenn.- The University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team broke through in the final moments to secure a 1-0 Ohio Valley Conference triumph over Eastern Illinois.
Catey Hunt scored her third game-winning goal of the season behind her 13th 90-minute performance. Allie Buchmann, Joelle Stinson, Gwen Walters, Izzy Patterson, Shayla Addington and Poppy Bastock joined Hunt in playing the full match.
Peyton Cook had a game-high seven shots and was followed by Patterson (three), Buchmann (three), Walters (two), Hunt (two), Makayla Robinson (two), Stinson (two) and Abbie McHenry (one).
For the second straight match the Skyhawks held their opponent scoreless, only allowing four Panther shots on goal. Bastock was responsible for turning away those four attempts while she received stifling defense in front of her.
The first half saw early offensive pressure from UT Martin but as play continued, the game picked up a theme of physical defense as both teams disrupted any offensive flow that was being developed.
Then in the 86th minute, Eastern Illinois was called for a crucial handball in the box which awarded the Skyhawks a chance to bag another three points. Hunt stepped up and netted the chance on the right side of the net to give UT Martin the victory.
“I’m really proud of this group,” said Skyhawk head coach Mike Varga. “They stuck to our plan and really kept the work rate high. Catey stepped up with confidence and was able to bury the penalty. Overall team defending was very good. We’re happy to get back-to-back shutout wins.”
UT Martin will travel to Cookeville, Tenn. for a one-game road trip against first-place Tennessee Tech. First touch is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.