CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — The Chattanooga Mocs women's soccer team continued its strong early-season form Thursday evening, earning a 1–0 road victory over Austin Peay at Morgan Bros. Field. Defender Nicole Solete delivered the match-winner in the 79th minute, lifting the Mocs to 4–1–0 on the season.
 
"Tough win on the road," Mocs head coach Gavin McKinney said. "Delighted we found a late goal. I felt we controlled much of the game, but credit to Austin Peay. They made things really difficult. Proud of the group as we continue to get better with each match."
 
After a scoreless first half marked by physical play and persistent pressure, Chattanooga broke through late in the second period. Solete capitalized on a well-placed assist from Carmya Mastrangelo, slotting home her first goal of the season to seal the win.
 
The Mocs dominated the shot count, outshooting the Governors 19–5 and placing seven on target. Senior goalkeeper Caroline Ekern recorded her third shutout of the season, making two key saves and anchoring a back line that held Austin Peay without a goal.
 
Ekern took over first in the Mocs record books with her 17^th career save Thursday night. She passed Ashton Shields ('22) for the top spot on the all-time chart for UTC.
 
"Extremely proud and happy for Caroline Ekern. She has been a joy to coach – an amazing person, student and athlete," McKinney praised.
 
Sophomore Paige Thomas led the offensive charge with six shots, while Zoey Mize added two on frame in the opening half.
 
Austin Peay's goalkeeper Lauryn Berry kept the Governors in contention with six saves, including three in the first half. Chattanooga's defensive unit limited Austin Peay to just three second-half shots.
 
The Mocs return to action Thursday, September 4, when they travel to Tennessee Tech for their third road match of the season.
 
NOTES
• Caroline Ekern tallied her third save of the season and 17^th of her career to take over the top spot for clean sheets in the Chattanooga all-time record book.
• Nicole Solete's goal was the first of her career at Chattanooga.
• Chattanooga matched its season high for shots with 19. UTC had 19 in the opener against Winthrop as well as the last match against Morehead State.
• Second time in three years the Mocs are off to a 4-1 start. UTC went 6-1 to start the 2023 season.
 
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