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MOREHEAD, Ky. --  For the first time since 2018, the Morehead State soccer team will play in the OVC Soccer Championship Tournament when they take the pitch against SEMO in the opening round on Friday at 7 pm ET. The match will take place at third seeded Belmont.

The Eagles are entering the tournament as the number six seed after finishing conference play with a 2-4-2 record. The Eagles, who began the season by going 2-5-2 in non-conference play, finished 4-9-4 overall.

"It's very important to our program to make the tournament every year. This is our major goal. The culture has changed, expectations and belief is what we are about now. They deserve to be there," head coach Warren Lipka added.

SEMO is playing as the seventh seed and finished with a 2-4-2 conference record, as well. Morehead State won the tiebreaker against SEMO by virtue of a better record against their highest seeded common opponent, Tennessee Tech, who the Eagles defeated 1-0.

In their prior matchup with SEMO, the Eagles dominated the pace of place, holding the Redhawks to only three shots all game, but despite a 10-3 shot advantage and a 10-0 corner kick advantage, the Eagles couldn't get one past SEMO goaltender Bailey Redden, resulting in the draw.

Michelle Jerantowski only needed a single save to pick up her fifth shutout of the season, but saved the game late in the first overtime when SEMO's attack broke through with their best chances of the match.

"We need to continue to defend like we can, take advantage of our chances and finish the game. Nothing like a tournament atmosphere to get the blood pumping. Really looking forward to it," Lipka said.   

The match, and the entire OVC Soccer Championship Tournament, will be streamed on ESPN+.