FLORENCE, Ala. (October 2, 2025) – The University of North Alabama soccer team earned its first win of October on Thursday night, defeating Austin Peay by a 2-1 final at the Cox Creek Sports Complex.
 
North Alabama (6-3-3) scored a goal in each half to down the Governors for its first win in the all-time series.
 
Freshman forward Meg Welsh opened the scoring in the 38th minute, heading in a set piece for her second goal of the season. Gracie Tyrrell, a junior defender, netted the game-winner in the 74th minute — her first career goal.
 
Austin Peay (0-9-3) equalized early in the second half, but was ultimately outshot 13-8, with 10 of UNA's 13 shots on target.  
 
Defenders Avery Smith, Lilly Ford, Adelyn Speight, Langley Wallace and Tyrell combined to block four shots, while goalkeeper Madison Vukas made three saves. The Lions' defense has now allowed five or fewer shots on target in seven of their last eight games.

UNA posted its best shooting accuracy of the season, landing 10 of 13 shots on goal (.769). The previous high came in the conference opener against Central Arkansas.

Six Lions contributed to the 13 shots, led by Alice Bussey with four. Forwards Lexi Vernsey and Mya Barr, midfielder Maddie Reynolds, and Tyrrell each added two. UNA also earned five corner kicks — their most since a win over Tennessee Tech.
The first game of October had fans in suspense as bodies collided with both teams applying consistent pressure in a tense match under the lights.
 
Vernsey and Bussey fired early, recording two shots in the first five minutes. Moments later, UNA earned its first corner. Bussey was responsible for four of the team's nine first-half shots, forcing APSU goalkeeper Lauryn Berry to make seven saves before halftime.
 
As the Lions went on the offensive prowl in the first half, it did not come until the 38th minute for fans to feel some of the thrill.
Following a foul and a subsequent corner kick opportunity, Reynolds — subbed in just eight minutes earlier — delivered a bending ball that was punched into the air. Welsh tracked it, timed her jump, and scored with a header to give UNA the lead.
 
While the halftime lead was 1-0, Austin Peay came into the second half on the attack. The Govs put up three shots before Abby Matthews found a goal off her left foot in the 48th minute to tie it.
 
This was only the fifth goal allowed all season by North Alabama.
 
However, after those initial three shots the Lions allowed only one shot in the remaining 42 minutes of the half.
 
Then enter Tyrrell — a junior defender who has 10 shots on the year with two in each of the last two games.
 
After a great defensive stop in the midfield by Avery Stojakovich, she distributed it up to forward Anna Fugarino. Fugarino pushed past a Gov to get it up-field to a racing Tyrrell.
 
With a Governor trailing, the junior defender created enough space to get a shot off her left foot from outside the box. On a line, the ball traveled past two Gov defenders and a falling keeper for the go-ahead goal.
 
This was Tyrrell's first collegiate goal in her three seasons at North Alabama.
 
Austin Peay threatened in the 89th minute, but an offside call ended the push and sealed UNA's second conference win.
 
Next up, North Alabama hosts Gold Division leader Lipscomb at the Cox Creek Sports Complex on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.

 For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.