The Skyhawk soccer team posted their second shutout in a row with a 1-0 victory over the rival Eastern Illinois Panthers this past Sunday, Oct. 20.
Another strong performance from Mac Titus and Parker Gelinas, who each earned their second OVC (Ohio Valley Conference) Player of the Week awards this week, propelled the Skyhawks to their second consecutive win and moved them to seventh place in the OVC standings at 3-5-0 and 4-9-3 overall.
The lone score for the Skyhawks belonged to senior midfielder (MF) Izzy Patterson, who, in the 36th minute, made the free kick to put the Skyhawks over the Panthers. The goal was Patterson’s fourth of the season, a career best for the Skyhawk veteran.
Other contributors for the Skyhawks include So. Peyton Cook with four shots (two on goal), Sr. Nyeemah Prescod-Beckles with two shots (one on goal), Sr. Makayla Robinson with two shots, Jr. Abbie McHenry with a shot on goal, Fr. Alberte Amby a shot on goal and Sr. Brooke Kala with a shot.
Sr. Goalkeeper Mac Titus faced 13 shots against Eastern Illinois, saving four to shut out the Panthers. This includes three saves in a row in the 31st, 40th and 41st minutes respectively. Titus’ efforts led to the Skyhawks’ second shutout in a row and third of the year, all of which belong to Titus.
“Everyone worked their socks off today. That is the effort and organization we need for the rest of the season,” said UT Martin head coach Mike Varga, who is in his second season as the head coach for the Skyhawks.
The win on Sunday moves the series between the two teams to an even 15-15-3 record.
Next week, UT Martin welcomes SEMO (Southeast Missouri State University) to town for the Skyhawks’ last regular season game of the year before the OVC Championship tournament begins Oct. 31. The Skyhawks play the Redhawks in Martin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27.
