FGCU midfielder Ava Russell (22) celebrates with her teammates after scoring her go-ahead goal during a 2-1 victory against Bellarmine. (Photo Courtesy of Nicholas Huenefeld / FGCU Athletics)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s soccer team (5-1-5, 2-0-2 ASUN) defeated ASUN Conference opponent Bellarmine University 2-1 on Sunday at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium, extending its unbeaten streak to nine matches and earning head coach Jim Blankenship his 475th career victory—the fifth-most among active NCAA Division I head coaches.

The Eagles broke a 1-1 tie against Bellarmine (3-6-2, 1-2-1 ASUN) in the 39th minute when Megan Morgan connected with Ava Russell inside the six-yard box, where Russell buried her second goal of the season for the match-winner.

FGCU outshot Bellarmine 14-9 overall, with both teams finishing with five shots on goal. The Eagles also held a 9-5 advantage in corner kicks. Madara Bome picked up the win in goal for the Eagles, making four saves, three of which came in the second half.

The Eagles claimed a 1-0 advantage midway through the first half. In the 25th minute, Kate Friday capitalized on an attacking-third free kick by driving the ball to Kaitlin Gabelman who redirected a header past the keeper for her fifth score of the season.

The Knights responded in the 38th minute when Brooklyn Donahue sent a long cross to Makenzie Simpson, who tapped the ball in to level the match at 1-1.

FGCU maintained its advantage through the second half backed by the defense, including a crucial team play when defender Hanna Phillips cleared a shot off the post in the 65th minute to preserve the lead.

FGCU returns home to Pickering Field to face ASUN foe University of North Florida on Thursday at 7 p.m.