Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Women's Soccer	SIUE Women's Soccer SIUE Athletics

Kiara Akpore

September 7, 2008 Boxscore SIUE Tops Murray State in OT          MURRAY, Ky. - Kiara Akpore scored with 24 seconds left in the first overtime period as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville defeated Murray State 1-0 in women's college soccer action at the Hampton Inn Classic.          Jenny Kates gathered the ball at midfield and sent a pass in Akpore on a breakaway. Murray State goalkeeper Tara Isbell came out of the goalie box to challenge Akpore but missed both Akpore and the ball, creating an open net for the score.          SIUE Coach Derek Burton said the mental and physical effort was well improved for his 2-3 Cougars from Friday's loss to UT Martin.          "It (the goal) was created by the team defending well," said Burton.          Both teams battled to a scoreless tie with an even 13 shots apiece through the first 90 minutes of the game. SIUE pressed Isbell for five saves. SIUE goalkeeper Kaci Backs recorded one first-half save on a shot by Renata Figueira.          Eight different players took a shot against 3-2 Murray State, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. Jennifer Kratzer led the team with four shots followed by Akpore, who came off the bench to score her team-leading third goal of the season.          Burton said he thought the Cougars proved something to themselves with their effort Sunday.          "This was the best effort we've had this season, and this is the team we've faces this year," said Burton.          SIUE next faces another OVC foe when it travels to Southeast Missouri State for a 7 p.m. game Saturday.                   -siue cougars-