MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State struck first in Sunday's contest but surrendered two quick goals, ultimately falling to Bellarmine, 2-1, in Louisville, Ky. at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium. 

"Disappointing result," said MSU Head Coach Paul Cox. "After an even first half, we came out flying and scored the opening goal. It was a great finish from Ashton (Lynam). But for the third time this non-conference campaign, we've conceded right after scoring and that is something we desperately need to address." 

Morehead State kicked off against Kentucky foe, Bellarmine, today at 1 p.m. for its final non-conference match of the season. According to the ESPN+ broadcast, temperatures reached into the 90s, necessitating three hydration breaks, one in the first half and two in the second.

The Eagles came out on the attack early, recording two shots on goal in the first five minutes from Jade Walton and Charlotte Lee, both of which were saved by Knights' goalkeeper Anna Jenkins.

Bellarmine followed close behind, with Katie Paulakonis attempting two shots, both of which were saved by Eagles' keeper Allie Lammers. 

MSU had another offensive spurt in the 18th minute, tallying four shots, two from Ashton Lynam and two from Walton.

The Eagles and Knights continued to trade shots throughout the opening half, but neither side could find the back of the net as the teams entered halftime knotted at 0-0.

The teams combined for 16 shots in the first half, with Morehead State recording nine and Bellarmine seven. Of those 16 shots, nine were saved, with the Knights making five saves and the Eagles recording four.

Just one minute and one second into the second half, Gaia Fubelli delivered a pass to Ashton Lynam just inside the penalty box, where Lynam fired a strike into the right side of the net to put the Eagles ahead, 2-1.

Fubelli's assist to Lynam marked the second consecutive game in which the duo has connected for a goal.

Just two minutes later, in the 48th minute, Bellarmine's Paulakonis broke free in front of the goal and fired a shot that was blocked by senior Hannah Carter. Paulakonis collected the rebound and slipped it past Lammers to even the score at 1-1.

In the 64th minute, the Knights capitalized on an Eagle turnover, as Nora Dimmitt stole the ball and played a pass to Paulakonis, who finished the opportunity for her second goal of the game and third of the season, putting the Knights up 2-1. 

The hosts also appeared to have scored in the 55th minute but the play was waved off due to an offside flag. A video review confirmed the call. They had another scoring chance in the 68th minute when off a free kick, Ella Flynn's header, just yards from the goal, ricocheted off the right post. Lynam had an opportunity to tie the game with just over eight minutes to play, but her 20-yard free kick sailed just to the right of the far post.

Bellarmine held MSU in check as the Eagles searched for the equalizer, allowing just four shots following the Knights' second goal, three of which were off target, to secure the 2-1 victory.

The Knights improved to 2-4-1 on the season, while Morehead State dropped to 5-6. 

Bellarmine led in shots, 16-14, and corner kicks, 5-4, while MSU held the advantage in saves, 8-6. Lammers came up big several times, including stopping a handful of one-on-one breakaways by Knight forwards.

Lynam took a team season-high six shots, with Walton adding four. Paulakonis had an opponent season-high seven attempts for BU, while Dimmitt added three.

MSU had a slight advantage in possession time (51 percent to 49 percent). The Eagles had the ball in the Knight defensive zone for 52 percent of its possession. Bellarmine had the ball in the Morehead State defensive end for 63 percent of its time with the ball. BU had 12 fouls to MSU's eight, with the hosts recording two of the three offside calls. The Blue and Gold was awarded the contest's lone yellow card.

The Eagles will be back in action in St. Charles, Mo., to face Lindenwood in their first Ohio Valley Conference match of the 2026 season.