MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State Soccer sophomore midfielder
Natalie Lentine was named Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week by the league office following her stellar performances throughout the week.
Lentine scored three points this week, including her first career goal and assist, in earning the first conference award of her career. She was the only OVC player to record three points this week.
The Eagles kicked off against Merchurst on Thursday, defeating the Lakers 2-1, thanks to goals from Lentine and
Kendall Anderson.
Lentine's goal came quickly. In the sixth minute, MSU's
Charlotte Lee launched a shot from outside the box that was blocked by a Laker defender. The ball fell to Eagles junior
Ashton Lynam, who quickly played it to Lentine. Lentine then buried the shot to give the Eagles an early 1-0 lead.
"Ashton had the ball, almost on the line and all the defenders were shifted so I was open at the top of the box," she said. "She put me a good ball back and I just volleyed it in."
"Nat's been an example for our team," said Head Coach
Paul Cox. "She didn't play a great deal for our team last year, and she stepped into midfield. She deserves it (the goal), she's been fantastic. She's had a few attempts in the past few games, and it's great for her to get her first goal."
Lentine fired six shots in Thursday's contest, the highest amount of shots tallied by an Eagle in a single game this season.
She is the first MSU player to win an OVC weekly award since
Hedda Ornberg was named Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 4, 2024. Morehead State picked up four OVC weekly honors that season.
The Eagles were the only OVC member to win a game during the midweek portion, and one of only two (Western Illinois) to win a game at any point during the week.
In Morehead State's second game of the week (Sunday), the Eagles fell to what Cox called "a great side" in Chattanooga.
61:28 into Sunday's contest, Lentine slipped a pass to
Jade Walton at the penalty arc. Walton fired the ball into the top-right corner of the net, tying the game at 1-1.
Lentine currently ranks tied for third in the OVC with 14 shots.
She was asked how she felt about her performances throughout the week.
"I feel pretty good about how I played this week," she said. "I'm happy that I was able to contribute to the team and make an impact on the field. There's definitely things that I can improve on and work towards but I feel like this week was a step in the right direction."
She was also asked about the honor of being tabbed OVC Offensive Player of the Week.
"It means a lot to me," she continued. "My teammates have put me in good positions and are constantly setting me up for success. I feel like I've worked hard and it is a very nice recognition, but there is still more work to do."
"I'm really proud of Natalie," said Cox. "She's having an amazing 2026 and fully deserves this honor. She's a great example to our program when it comes to hard work and perseverance."
The Eagles have been fun to watch this year. Before Sunday, they maintained a five game home unbeatean streak. They also have already won as many games at home this year than it did last year and one shy of how many it had combined in 2024 and 2025.
MSU will be back in action on Thursday for its final non-conference home game (fourth straight) when Lentine and the Eagles take on Indiana State at 8 P.M. ET.
Thursday's contest is Greek Night. Join Morehead State Soccer for Greek Night as we transform the pitch into a neon glow experience. Wear your brightest neon gear, represent your fraternity or sorority, and help light up the stands as the Eagles defend home turf.
