The Miami University soccer team posted its third shut out in six games this season, beating the Lady Govs of Austin Peay State University 4-0. The RedHawks are now 5-1 with two games remaining before opening conference play at home versus the University of Akron.

Miami used a stout effort defensively to tame the attack-oriented Lady Govs, while exploiting its opponent with quick passes, solid bench play and speed on the edges to drive home the win.

The ’Hawks claimed the only goal of the first half in the 41st minute, as junior defender Sam Parrish cleared a ball from midfield towards the Austin Peay goal. As a Lady Govs defender attempted to head the ball away, the Lady Govs’ goalkeeper instinctively charged to the top of the penalty box, colliding into the defender, causing an own goal.

Miami’s statistical line proved its dominance in the first half, controlling tempo and possession.

“I knew we were going to be able to get at these guys and would have been disappointed if we didn’t get a few goals,” Head Coach Bobby Kramig said. “Defensively, I thought we were a bit too cautious in the first half, but it got better towards the end of the first half and much better in the second half.”

The RedHawks took out all the stops and put the game away in the second half. Miami’s superior conditioning began to show, as the Lady Govs appeared lethargic and inattentive at critical moments, consistently allowing Miami’s forwards to get behind them on their attacks. In the 54th minute Miami took a 2-0 lead as senior captain Jess Kodiak had a shot on goal blocked right into the leg of freshman Katee Wensinger. The goal was the first of her collegiate career.

Kramig credited Miami’s ability to adjust to Austin Peay’s game plan and play to the team’s strengths as the biggest reasons for the win.

Freshman forward Haley Walter, who has three goals this season, again made her presence felt in the 67th and 79th minutes, as she was finally able to find open teammates after continually getting behind defenders on the flanks. Walter found junior midfielder Kayla Zakrzewski and redshirt junior midfielder Kelly Sullivan for the final goals. Sullivan’s goal was the first of her Miami career.

“It felt good to finally be able to get around my defenders,” Walter said. “Everyone kept telling me to go forward confidently, then I would be able to make plays.”

Sullivan described the surreal feeling of scoring her first goal as well.

“It was really exciting, but almost unreal,” Sullivan said. “I felt like everything was going in slow motion. I don’t think I can take all the credit for the goal though. Haley made my job a lot easier.”

The RedHawks wrapped up the game with a 20-10 shot advantage and 9-1 edge on corner kick opportunities.

Miami welcomes Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 5 p.m. Friday.