NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Lipscomb Women's Soccer opened ASUN play in dominant fashion Thursday night, earning a 2-0 win over Eastern Kentucky at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex behind a brace from junior Bella Carapazza.
The Bisons came out on the front foot from the opening whistle, earning a corner in the first minute and creating multiple early chances. Their breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Tatum Ahlemeyer sent in a cross that Carapazza settled off the bounce before slotting home the opener.
Lipscomb continued to control much of the first half, forcing EKU's goalkeeper into action while Kaïna Cesar stood tall at the other end with a pair of key saves to preserve the 1-0 advantage going into the break.
The second half saw more attacking momentum for the Bisons. Freshman Skylar Cole linked up with Abby Ross before finding Carapazza at the top of the box. Carapazza unleashed a strike from just outside the D in the 61st minute, doubling the Lipscomb lead with her second goal of the night.
Jaide Simone Prejean added a pair of close chances, while Cesar came up with another big stop in the final seconds to secure her third shutout of the season.
Head coach Kevin O'Brien praised his team's performance in the ASUN opener:
"Incredible performance tonight. It was a really tough game against an incredibly talented EKU side, and I'm just proud of the way our team started. We were able to go up early and look really good in the first 20 minutes, but EKU responded well and really pushed us through the rest of the half.
For Bella to come out and score her second of the night early in the second half, I think that really took some wind out of EKU's sails. From there, we just dug in and defended. We knew three points were on the line, and that was the challenge — whatever it takes in conference play, even if it's not pretty, you've got to see it through. I thought the girls did an incredible job tonight. Kai was solid in goal, and all around it was a great performance."
Carapazza's brace brings her season total to four goals as Lipscomb improves to 5-3-1 (1-0 ASUN) with the victory.
The Bisons continue conference play on Sunday, September 21st, when they host Bellarmine at 1 p.m. CT at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.
