Box Score RICHMOND, Ky. -- The Belmont women's soccer team (4-11-2, 3-5-1 OVC) moved one step closer to vying for a spot in the 2015 OVC Tournament on Friday afternoon. The Bruins edged Eastern Kentucky (3-14, 3-6 OVC) on the road, 1-0, to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Despite dominating time of possession throughout the first stanza, BU was unable to find the back of the net. The Colonels had a scoring opportunity early in the half but junior netminder Stephanie Bukovec (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) dove to make the crucial save. The teams then fell into a back and forth battle for the remainder of the first half and headed to their respective locker rooms, locked in a 0-0 stalemate.
After the break, the Bruins ramped up their intensity on both sides of the ball, keeping the BU faithful who made the trip on their feet. The match looked to be heading into extra periods as both squads struggled to topple the strong goalkeepers on each end.
The Bruins made their move with 10 minutes left in regulation, ramping up their efforts even more. Finally in the 84th minute BU had its big break. A foul gave Belmont a free kick opportunity and junior Brittany Coca (Riverview, Fla.) squared up to take the shot. Her ball blasted into the traffic in front of the EKU net where it found the awaiting foot of sophomore Belicia Mendiola (McKinney, Texas), to give BU the 1-0 advantage. The Bruins leaned on strong defense to hold on to the slim lead in the waning minutes, ensuring victory.
EKU held the advantage in shots, 10-8, but Belmont held the advantage in corner kicks, 6-5.
Sophomore Tara Austin (Beaumont, Texas) led the Bruins with two shots. Six other Bruins recorded one shot each.
Bukovec finished with five saves on the day between the posts.
Belmont returns to action on October 29 for its final regular season match. The Bruins host Jacksonville State at Rose Park beginning at 6 p.m. Prior to kickoff, BU will host a Senior Day ceremony honoring Cassie Blase, Rachel Dill, Lindsey Espe, Sydney Omweg, Emily Proud, and Sydney Scheben.
