The Murray State Racers are gearing up for their regular season home opener as they host the 19th-nationally ranked Xavier Musketeers at Cutchin Field in Murray, Kentucky, on Thursday, August 22 at 4 p.m. CT. This matchup marks a significant milestone for the Racers, as it will be the first time in program history that a ranked team takes the field at Cutchin Field, and the ninth time Murray State has faced a ranked opponent overall.
“We are excited to welcome a ranked team to Murray for the first time in program history,” said head coach Matt Lodge. “Xavier are the reigning Big East champs, and we have a great opportunity to compete against them on home soil. It is going to be a fast-paced game and we are ready for the challenge.”
Xavier enters the match with a 2-0 start to their season, recently securing a 3-0 victory over Michigan at home, which propelled them into the top 25. Olivia Lawson has been a standout for the Musketeers, leading the team with three goals and six total points in just 112 minutes of play. Samantha Wiehe and Elin Hansson have each contributed two assists and logged at least 120 minutes on the pitch. Notably, goalkeeper Maria Galley is the only Xavier player to have played every minute of the first two matches.
Murray State last faced a ranked team in 2021 when Xavier, then ranked 15th, defeated the Racers in Cincinnati. The Racers have faced eight ranked opponents since 2003, three of which have come under Coach Lodge’s leadership since he took over in 2018. However, the Racers have yet to secure a win in these matchups.
Thursday’s game will be the third all-time meeting between Murray State and Xavier, and the second at Cutchin Field. The Racers are 0-2 against the Musketeers, with a 3-4 double-overtime loss at home in 2019 and a 1-2 loss on the road in Cincinnati.
On a positive note for the Racers, freshman Breece Bass was recently named the Missouri Valley Conference’s Freshman of the Week. Bass is tied for the second-most goals in the conference with two goals on just four shots, boasting a .750 shots-on-goal percentage through her first two collegiate matches.
Murray State’s defensive unit, consisting of Morgan Bodker, Hannah Carter, Kate Stordy, and Reagan Tate, has remained strong, with all four players having yet to be subbed off the pitch this season.
