Redhawks falls in OVC finale, end up tied for third

MARTIN, Tenn. -- Despite losing its final Ohio Valley Conference game of the season, the Southeast Missouri State women's soccer team will host a first-round OVC Tournament contest.

Host Tennessee-Martin recorded the program's first victory against the Redhawks on Sunday, scoring a late goal to post a 1-0 victory.

Southeast (10-5-1 overall, 5-3-1 OVC) wound up tied for third place in the 10-team league, and they will host a first-round game in the six-team OVC tournament on Nov. 1, most likely against Jacksonville State.

After a scoreless first half Sunday, the Skyhawks (8-10, 3-6 OVC) scored with just 7 minutes, 45 seconds left in regulation when Dani Myrick beat Southeast goalkeeper Lindsay Pickering.

The Redhawks held a slim 12-11 edge in shots, and they had a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks. Pickering made three saves, while Skyhawks keeper Megan Dempsey made four saves for the shutout.

Samford captured its third consecutive OVC regular-season title with 21 points, while Eastern Illinois finished second with 20 points. Southeast and Murray State both had 16 points.

In conference play, teams are awarded three points for a victory and one point for a tie.

The Redhawks close the regular season with two nonconference home matches this week -- Wednesday against Arkansas-Little Rock and Friday against South Dakota State. Game time at Houck Stadium is 7 p.m. both days.