Tech falls in double overtime to Eastern Illinois

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Tech soccer team moved its start time against Eastern Illinois on Friday ahead 15 minutes, to ensure enough daylight at the end of the game, and it's a good thing. The Golden Eagles went nine minutes into double overtime before falling to the Panthers 1-0, as the sun set on Tech Soccer Field.
Tech (3-11-1, 2-2-1) goalkeeper Kaitlyn Thacker kept Eastern Illinois (2-12-1, 2-4) off the scoreboard for 109 minutes, making five saves, before Rachel Hamilton netted the game-winner on a breakaway. Thacker was coming off a 1-0 shutout of Austin Peay on Oct. 10.

Tech posted eight shots on goal against EIU, and out-shot the Panthers 15-11. Sophomore Ashley Smith finished with three total shots for the Golden Eagles.

The loss drops Tech to .500 in Ohio Valley Conference play, with an OVC record of 2-2-1, with three conference games remaining.

The Golden Eagles will host Southeast Missouri on Sunday, which will be Tech's Senior Day. Seniors Rebecca Ross, Katie Hoover, Katie Morrissey, Kristin Hennek and Brianne Lankford will be honored in a pre-game ceremony starting at 12:35. The game begins at 1 p.m. Admission to Tech home soccer matches is free.