UNA soccer defeated Austin Peay 2-1, in an intense rivalry match on Oct. 2. 

The Lions shooting accuracy was the best it has been thus far this season, landing 10 of 13 shots on goal. Freshman forward Meg Welsh struck first with a goal in the 38th minute. 

Austin Peay responded early in the second half to tie the match 1-1. Junior defender Gracie Tyrrell noted what was going on through her head at that moment. 

“I knew my team could get another one,” she said. “We just had to pick it back up, and we did.”

The rest of the match was far from peaceful. Numerous plays lead to bodies on the floor and elbows flying. There were 22 fouls total.

It was not until the 74th minute that Tyrrell scored her first collegiate goal since her first appearance in 2023. Austin Peay was unable to respond back. 

Head Coach Chris Walker emphasized how every player contributed to the match. 

“Whether it was players playing 90 minutes or it was players playing 5 minutes, they all made an impact,” Walker said. “Credit to the bench as well, being loud and keeping the energy going all game long.”

Welsh came out of the match with confidence that she believes fans should have, too. 

“Don’t count us out because we had a rough year last year. We can still be one of the top teams in the ASUN and we will be,” she said. 

Lions will resume gameplay at home Oct. 5 where they face 2024 ASUN champions Lipscomb.