Women’s Soccer: Bellarmine vs. Eastern Kentucky Preview
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University women’s soccer team will face Eastern Kentucky University in an Atlantic Sun Conference matchup this Sunday at 1 p.m. (ET). This will be the second consecutive week these teams meet, following a challenging 5-1 loss for Bellarmine last weekend in Richmond.
Recent Performance
Bellarmine, now with a record of 8-3-2 (2-3 ASUN), is looking to bounce back from their recent defeat, which marked their largest loss in ASUN play since joining Division I. In that match, the Knights fell behind early with a goal from EKU in the sixth minute, followed by a penalty kick in the 24th minute that set the tone for the game.
Eastern Kentucky Overview
The Colonels currently hold a record of 8-2-3 (3-1-1 ASUN) and come into the match riding a four-game unbeaten streak. This includes victories over Austin Peay and Central Arkansas, both of which ended in 1-0 scores. Ella Grode leads the EKU squad with six goals this season, helping the team secure second place in the Gold Division.
Historical Context
- EKU leads the series against Bellarmine with a record of 3-1-1 during the Division I era.
- In their previous encounters at Frazier Stadium, EKU secured a win in 2023 after a scoreless draw in 2022.
Upcoming Matches and ASUN Standings
This game marks the beginning of the second cycle of matchups within the Gold Division. Following this encounter, Bellarmine will face Central Arkansas, North Alabama, and then wrap up the regular season against Lipscomb and Austin Peay. The standings reveal that Bellarmine currently sits in fourth place in the Gold Division with 6 points, while EKU holds second place with 10 points, trailing Lipscomb, who has 16 points.
Team Statistics
- Bellarmine’s defense ranks third in the ASUN for goals-against average at 1.15 and has allowed 15 goals total.
- On offense, the Knights average 2.0 goals per game, placing them fourth in the conference.
- Sophomore forward McKenzie Carle has been a standout player, ranking third in the ASUN with seven goals and also excelling in total shots and points.
- Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Anna Jenkins has recorded four shutouts, ranking her second in the ASUN, with a save percentage of .797.
- Senior forward Lucy von Stefenelli ranks high in several categories, including game-winning goals (three) and total shots (43).
Player Highlights
Key players for Bellarmine include:
- McKenzie Carle: Tied for third in goals (7) and total shots (44).
- Sidney Rigsby: A Preseason All-ASUN selection who has scored three goals, including last week’s lone tally against EKU.
- Lucy von Stefenelli: Notable for her game-winning contributions.
- Anna Jenkins: Recognized for her strong performance as a goalkeeper.
Conclusion
This matchup presents an opportunity for the Knights to gain momentum as they aim for a playoff spot. The ASUN Tournament awaits, with the top four teams from each division qualifying. Fans can follow the action and stay updated on Bellarmine athletics by engaging with BUKnights across social media platforms.
