MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee women's soccer (9–5–3, 4–2–1 CUSA) closed out its home slate in emphatic fashion Sunday afternoon, blanking UTEP (3–9–4, 0–4–3 CUSA) by a 4–0 score at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium. 

Senior forward Idun Kvaale got the Blue Raiders on the board early, netting her first goal of the season in the 18th minute off a feed from senior forward Emma Pettersen. 

After taking a 1–0 lead into halftime, MTSU exploded for three goals in a five-minute span late in the second half. Junior Hannah Murphy doubled the advantage in the 78th minute on an assist from Kvaale, who followed by setting up Pettersen for her team-leading eighth goal of the year just 38 seconds later. 

The scoring was capped in the 83rd minute when senior Yana Yordanova slotted home her second goal of the season, assisted by senior Megan Carroll and graduate Sandra Segovia del Hoyo. 

Head coach Aston Rhoden praised his team's performance and Senior Day finish: 

"It was good. It certainly helped solidify a spot in the tournament," Rhoden said. "We got a shutout on the day, had multiple scorers, and were able to finish the game with all our seniors on the field." 

Kvaale reflected on the team's strong finish to the home season:

"It's the best way to end the season for us," Kvaale said. "We just made it to the conference tournament by winning this game, so that's an amazing feeling. Obviously it's sad that it's the last game at home and the last one here for me, but it's a great way to show out." 

With the win, Middle Tennessee improved to 9–5–3 overall and 4–2–1 in Conference USA play, securing a spot in the upcoming CUSA Tournament. 

 
By the Numbers
Goalkeeper Demi Gronauer earned her sixth win and combined with Emily McGrain for the team's fifth shutout of the season, as Middle Tennessee outshot UTEP 11–6 and held a 54% possession advantage. 


Up Next:  
Middle Tennessee will travel to Kennesaw State on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. CT at Fifth Third Stadium. 

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