EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Lindenwood women's soccer team (8-4-4, 5-2-1 OVC) picked up a huge win over Southern Indiana (6-7-4, 3-2-3 OVC) in Evansville on Sunday afternoon. The win secured a top-four OVC finish for the Lions while keeping them squarely in the running for the regular season crown.

Match Overview
On a windy day in Evansville, neither team was able to break through for a score in the first half, with Lindenwood only recording three shots with zero attempts on goal. Meanwhile, Southern Indiana totaled seven shots with Caroline Ritter posting three saves.

The Screaming Eagles would take the lead shortly after halftime with Emerson Grafton scoring from close range following a botched clearance in the box by the Lindenwood defense in the 49th minute.

With the Lions still trailing in the 76th minute, a ball played out the back by Allison Schrumpf took a touch from Mackenzie Compton in the box before deflecting off the USI keeper and rolling free in front of a now open net. Kaylee Conoyer was then able outpace the final Southern Indiana defender to get a foot on the ball and roll in into the net for the equalizer.

With 6:30 remaining, USI's Tierney Mullady was given a red card for a handball in the box after purposefully using her left hand to prevent another Lindenwood goal on a shot by Anna Johnson, as the Screaming Eagle goalkeeper had been drawn out of position again by Compton. Jessica Dodd was selected to take the subsequent penalty kick and calmly converted for her first goal of the season to give LU the lead.

The late game dramatics were not over, though, and after drawing a foul in the box on a corner kick, USI looked set to salvage a point with a PK. However, Caroline Ritter turned away the would-be equalizer with a diving save to her right to preserve the Lindenwood lead. The Lions were able to see out the final five minutes to secure a massive three points on the road.

Match Notes

• Lindenwood is now 3-4-1 all-time against Southern Indiana, with a 3-1 record since both programs made the move to Division-I.
• The Lions are 5-1-2 on the road this season, which is the best away record in the OVC.
• LU is on a three-game win streak and four-game unbeaten streak, matching their season best in both categories.
• Kaylee Conoyer and Jessica Dodd became the 10th and 11th different Lions to score a goal this season. It was the first career goal for both players. 
• Lindenwood is third in the OVC standings and sit just two points out of first place entering the final week of the season. 

Quotable
"I'm so proud of our team today", said Lindenwood head coach Dave Musso. "We had to overcome many obstacles. The weather was extremely challenging, going down a goal, and playing a very gritty tough USI who thrives at home. Our kids didn't stop believing."

Next Up
The Lions travel to OVC-leading Little Rock next Sunday, October 26th for their regular season finale. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.