Cedar City, Utah. – The Eastern Washington women's soccer team was able to open up its weekend road trip with a 2-1 victory over Southern Utah in a vital Big Sky Conference match on Friday, Oct. 17.

Won-Loss Records
Eastern improves to 6-6 overall, and to 3-3 in the conference. The Thunderbirds drop to 7-5-2 for the season, and to 3-2-1 in the league. 

Turning Point
It was a tying goal by sophomore Laci Rennaker that inspired the Eagles to earn today's victory. Her goal came in the 17th minute when senior Cassie Black took a free kick directed at the goal. The SUU goalkeeper deflected Black's shot and the rebound came directly toward Rennaker, who then tapped it right into the back of the net.

Freshman Chloe Williams was able to seal the win for EWU just as the first half was beginning to wind down. In the 43rd minute, Williams showed a superb individual effort as she was able to launch a shot into the net from around the top of the box. Eastern's backline would hold the 2-1 lead for the remainder of the match.

Top Performers
In addition to Williams' goal, she led the Eagles in shots with three, two of which were on target.

Four other Eagles were able to earn shots on the day, including junior Tasha Luu, who took two chances in this evening's contest. 

Quoting Coach Bodnar
"After starting slowly and conceding an early goal, we were able to respond well on the road in tough conditions. Our backline really tightened the hatches and kept SUU to only a couple of good chances throughout the game. Chloe scored another great individual goal and we had some very gritty performances from Cassie, Tasha, and a bunch of other players. Today was a complete effort. It wasn't pretty but we got what we needed to stay in the hunt."

Key Stat
Eastern's ability to control the ball, while taking scoring chances right out of the gate, was instrumental in the win. The Eagles were able to outshoot the Thunderbirds 7-5 in the first half.

Game Notes
*Williams' goal in today's match was her fifth so far this year.
*Rennaker was able to earn her first goal of the season, as well as her first goal for her career at Eastern.
*Black earned her fifth assist today, which is now the program record for most assists in a single season for EWU.
* After today's win, the Eagles are now 3-1 all-time when facing Southern Utah and 3-0 when playing on the Thunderbird's home turf.

Up Next
The Eagles travel further south to match up against Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Ariz., on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 11:00 a.m.