Redhawks nose into first place in OVC

~ Southeast ran its winning streak to five games with a 3-0 victory over Tennessee Tech.

Led by a freshman with a nose for the goal and a senior who tied a school record, the Southeast Missouri State soccer team continued to roll Sunday.

The Redhawks posted their fifth straight win, 3-0 over visiting Tennessee Tech.

Southeast improved to 4-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play and assumed sole possession of first place, ahead of Samford (3-0), which was idle.

"We're on a roll. We have a lot of momentum going," senior forward Alaina Lacopo said. "We're staying focused and working together as a team."

Lacopo assisted on Sunday's first goal, the 23rd of her career, which ties the program's all-time record for assists.

"I didn't even know about it," Lacopo said. "I think it's pretty awesome, to leave a mark like that."

And with a good portion of the season still remaining, Lacopo figures to have the record to herself before she leaves Southeast.

Said Southeast coach Heather Nelson, whose squad is 7-2-1 overall: "It's a very nice accomplishment for Alaina. She's playing well."

So is forward Ashley Runion, the aforementioned freshman with a nose for the goal.

Runion was the beneficiary of Lacopo's record-tying assist, heading in a corner kick about 13 minutes into the game to give Southeast an early lead.

Runion leads Southeast with eight goals and 19 points, figures that also lead the OVC.

"Ashley really has a nose for the goal," Nelson said. "She's having a great season."

Runion said she is surprised to have already assumed the role of Southeast's top scoring threat in her rookie college season.

"Yeah, a little bit," she said. "But I think the team all around just works hard and finds the right people that are open."

Also scoring Sunday were junior Casey Kraft and Lauren Costello, a senior midfielder who netted her first collegiate goal. Senior Blair Schuppan added an assist.

Southeast outshot Tech (2-7-2, 1-2) 20-6.

Senior Lindsay Pickering, who recently became the OVC's career leader in shutouts, and sophomore Rachel Harrington shared the shutout in the nets.

Pickering played nearly 58 minutes and was credited with two saves. Harrington also had two saves in a little more than 32 minutes.

Southeast concludes a three-match homestand Friday night against Eastern Illinois.

Tennis fares well

The Southeast women's tennis team captured three titles over the weekend at the Western Illinois fall tournament.

Bryce Kristal won the Flight A singles title, while Julia Masotti won the Flight B singles title.

Twin sisters Bryce and Drew Kristal claimed the Flight A doubles crown.