JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State soccer team put together a valiant effort to send its three departing seniors out with a win on the home pitch, but Morehead State staved off the Gamecocks, 1-0, on Senior Day at the JSU Soccer Field on Sunday.

The win kept the Eagles (9-6-1) atop the Ohio Valley Conference standings with a 6-0-1 mark in the OVC. The loss drops JSU to 3-13-1 overall and 1-6 in league play.

After playing to a scoreless opening 45 minutes, MSU broke through on the scoreboard with a goal eight minutes deep into the second half and withstood heavy pressure from the Gamecocks to preserve the win. Sam Toepfer dribbled past JSU goalkeeper Katelyn Geddings to push the ball into the back of the net for the goal. Giuleana Lopez assisted on the game-wining goal.

Although MSU had a two-shot advantage to finish the match, Jax State turned in seven of its eight scoring chances in the second half. JSU had a couple of golden opportunities late in the contest after a header from Alison Gonzalez went right of the goal and Ariel Jones had an on goal opportunity. Kaitlin Manns and Nathalee Lariviere had two shots each to lead the JSU charge. Geddings made five stops in the setback.

“Our team came out and played well offensively and defensively and we gained confidence as the match went on,” said head coach Julie Davis Carlson. “Our defensive shape was good against a great Morehead State offense.”

Sunday marked the final home match for three seniors who represented JSU and the soccer program since the day they set foot on campus. Defenders Alyshia Madison and Debbie Matich closed out a four-year career on the home turf, while midfielder Alex Rustad closed the book on a two-year stint as a Gamecock after transferring from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock.

“I am so proud of the contribution to the program that theses three ladies have given with their leadership on and off the field,” added Carlson. “Their contribution as players will also be greatly missed.”

The Gamecocks wrap up the regular season on Friday, Oct. 22, traveling to Cookeville, Tenn. to face Tennessee Tech. Match time is set for 3:30 p.m.