MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Senior Shan Jones used her speed to circumvent the Jacksonville State defense and knock home the winning goal, giving Middle Tennessee soccer its first win on the season by defeating the visiting Gamecocks, 1-0, in double overtime Sunday afternoon. Jones, the 2008 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and two-time All-Sun Belt First Team performer, netted her team-leading second goal on the young campaign.

The Blue Raiders controlled much of the action all afternoon, finishing with a 22-5 shot advantage, but could not find the back of the net until Jones’ game winner. As the teams entered the second extra frame still scoreless, sophomore Jessika Oseguera sent a long pass to Jones. The senior then went from the right side of the 18-yard box to the left side, around all four Jacksonville State (0-2) defenders, before sending her attempt back across the goal mouth.

The shot went just beyond the reach of goalie Katelyn Geddings and provided Middle Tennessee (1-1) with the triumph at 103:59.

Jones had numerous other opportunities throughout the contest to put the game away, but her career-high nine shots were either saved or sent wide. The nine shots tie for seventh in program history and are the most by a Blue Raider since Kala Morgan had the same amount versus South Alabama Nov. 1, 2006.

Oseguera also had four opportunities for a score, placing one on goal, while juniors Paige Goeglein, Whitney Jorgenson and Allison Stallard finished with two shots apiece.

Senior Rebecca Cushing played the entire 103:59 in goal and was credited with just one save in her first shutout of the season.

The Gamecocks were unable to mount much of an offensive attack until late in the second half, as the MT defense kept them from attempting a shot through the entire first 45 minutes. Courtney Hurt managed to tally three of the visitors’ five shots, while the lone attempt on goal was by Chelsea Pelletier.

Geddings finished with eight saves after relieving starter Ali Koenig in the cage at halftime.

Middle Tennessee will look to continue its winning ways when it travels to Auburn, Ala., Friday to face the Auburn Tigers at 7 p.m. It marks the first of three Southeastern Conference road matches this season for the Blue Raiders.

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