EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women's soccer team earned its second win of the season on Thursday, defeating Austin Peay 2-0 at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
Following the match, Evansville celebrated Senior Night by honoring seven seniors - Bri Chirpich (Gladstone, Mo./Hawaii), Elke Travis (Henderson, Nev./Faith Lutheran HS), Taylor Johnson (Evansville, Ind./Reitz HS), A'Liyah Warrick (Mableton, Ga./Campbell HS), Brooklyn Robinson (West Haven, Utah/Fremont HS), Ashlyn Koutsos (Cumming, Ga./West Forsyth HS), and Ella Hamner (Evansville, Ind./Memorial HS).
The match opened with a physical battle, as the two teams traded scoring opportunities throughout the opening 30 minutes. Evansville's attack applied constant pressure in the attacking third, with Josie Seehafer (Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Eagan HS) and Taylor Johnson creating several opportunities in front of the goal, but the Aces were unable to find the back of the net.
Evansville broke through in the 41st minute when Brielle LaBerge (Cumming, Ga./Forsyth Central HS) put the Aces in front 1-0. Selena Di Luciano (Toronto, Ontario/Omaha) initiated the scoring chance, finding LaBerge with space along the left side of the field. LaBerge advanced toward the goal before unleashing a 30-yard right-footed shot that bent into the top-left corner and out of reach of the Austin Peay goalkeeper. The goal marked LaBerge's first of the season, while Di Luciano recorded her first assist of the year.
The Aces carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Evansville controlled play in the second half, outshooting Austin Peay 12-2. Throughout the opening 28 minutes of the second half, Brooklyn Robinson led the Aces with four shots, including two on goal, while Taylor Johnson and LaBerge each recorded a shot on target.
In the 73rd minute, Reagan Vaughan (Franklin, Tenn./Fred J Page HS) worked her way into the box before finding Ashlyn Koutsos in front of the goal. A loose ball resulted in contact between Koutsos and the Austin Peay goalkeeper, drawing a foul and awarding Evansville a penalty kick.
LaBerge stepped to the spot and converted with her right foot, finding the top-right corner to extend Evansville's lead to 2-0. The goal completed the first brace of LaBerge's career and marked the first two-goal performance by an Ace since Taylor Johnson in 2024.
Bri Chirpich was in goal for Evansville, recording three saves to earn her first clean sheet of the season. The shutout marked the Aces' second of the season, while Chirpich increased her season total to 14 saves through three appearances.
With the win, Evansville improves to 2-1-1 on the season. The Aces return to action next Thursday, traveling to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to take on Middle Tennessee.
