In the final round of the Ohio Valley Conference Soccer Championship, the Morehead State Eagles defeated the UTM Skyhawks 1-0.
“I thought we were absolutely outstanding in the first half today, but we just didn’t get the goal that we deserved,” said head coach Phil McNamara.
Last month, when the two teams met, the Skyhawks (11-9-1, 8-2 OVC) claimed a 3-0 victory, but that would not be the case this time.
The two teams remained scoreless throughout the first half, but the Eagles found their way to the goal early in the second. Morehead States’ Macy Cobb took a pass from Kelsey Gomez and dropped it over UTM keeper Mariah Klenke’s head for the game-winning goal.
The Skyhawks out-shot the Eagles 9-6 on the afternoon, but Morehead States’ keeper Elizabeth Floyd managed seven saves compared to Klenke’s two.
“Credit to Morehead State,” said McNamara. “They battled, got the ball forward and they were aggressive. Obviously we had the shot count, we had more corner kicks … but it comes down to one stat and that’s who scores the most goals.”
The Skyhawks will be saying goodbye to a group of the most successful players to ever come through the program: Hannah Fessenden, Jessica Horvatich, Hannah McGowen, Abi Sanvee and Sarah Tompkins.
“They’re the most decorated class to ever come through this program,” said McNamara. “They have been outstanding and I’m very grateful that we’ve had them here for the duration. They’ve been absolutely quality [girls] from start to finish. We’re going to miss them dearly.”
Dominika Conc led the Skyhawks with four shots, followed by Lucy Pater with two.
Despite the loss, McNamara remained positive about his team.
“To win four consecutive titles says a lot about the quality of our program right now,” said McNamara. “I’m very proud of our passion and I’m looking forward to our future.”
