CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — For the first time in at least a decade Campbellsville University women's soccer has started the season undefeated at 3-0. The Lady Tigers dealt Indiana Wesleyan a loss for the first time in the Thom Jones era, 3-1 Saturday night at Finley Stadium and Citizens Bank Field.
BOX SCORE
"This was a great win for us," said Jones. "We have never beaten them since I have been here. Three years ago we lost a heart-breaker in overtime and then last year we tied after ending the game because of weather. It is great to be 3-0 and playing this well early in the season."
Campbellsville struck gold in the middle of the match and jumped on Indiana Wesleyan 2-0 in the first half. Devon Burnside received a pass from Anne Hare and delivered the ball past the IWU goalkeeper, Megan Weiss.
But just two minutes later reigning NCCAA Offensive Player of the Week, Madison Ratchford extended the Lady Tiger lead to 2-0 off a breakaway pass from Burnside.
Ratchford leads CU and the Mid-South Conference with three goals scored thus farthis season.
"Honestly, I did not think Madison would be playing this well this early in the season," said Jones. "I knew she could do it because she has the ability and the speed. She keeps working harder and harder in practice and is soaking everything up like a sponge. It's great to see from a freshman."
Campbellsville extended its lead to 3-0 after the intermission, as Mhairi Fyfe scored her second goal of the season.
Indiana Wesleyan would answer quickly with a goal of its own. Jordan Harris was able to get behind the back line of defense for Campbellsville and cut the CU lead to two, 3-1.
Campbellsville was able to hold on down the stretch and narrowly missed extending its lead. Fyfe was fouled in the box in the 74th minute by Susan Anthony of IWU and was awarded a penalty kick. Her PK missed high as the sophomore from Livingston, Scotland slipped making her approach.
The CU defense held tough as well. Amanda Howard, making her third consecutive start in goal, picked up two big-time saves on back-to-back shot attempts.
"That is exactly what I was hoping for out of Amanda," said Jones. "We need our goal keeper to come up with one big save a game and she has given us two each game thus far."
Campbellsville will now have a week in-between its next game at Tennessee Wesleyan. Kick off is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. ET.
You can follow Lady Tiger soccer throughout the season on Twitter - @CUWSTiger and @CvilleTigers. Also, on Facebook – Campbellsville Tigers and Instagram – CvilleTigers.
