SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State women's soccer team celebrated its seniors in the best way possible on Sunday, scoring a clutch 1-0 win over visiting Northern Iowa.
With their sixth straight shutout, the Bears (10-1-5, 5-0-3 Missouri Valley Conference) maintained control of second place in the MVC with 18 points – one point behind Drake with a week to play.
In the 75th minute of the game, the Bears knew they needed a big play to get the win. Head coach Kirk Nelson sent in a group of players from the bench to get some rested players in the game. A minute later, Hailey Chambliss put the Bears on the board with an assist from Lillie Rasmussen and Grace O'Keefe.
Both O'Keefe and Chambliss were a part of that group of subs who joined the game only a minute prior to scoring. It was O'Keefe seventh assist of the season and Rasmussen's second.
Camielle Day recorded yet another shutout and three more saves to bring her season total up to 45. This was her ninth solo shutout of the season, which ties her own school record set in 2022 and also shared by Jennifer Grocki (2000).
The Bears defense held the Panthers (12-3-1, 5-3-0 MVC) to only six shots with four being on-goal. MoState managed 10 shots on the afternoon with five on-goal.
"This game was a big team win for us. To be able to defeat a strong opponent and shut them out today is a huge testament to our team's commitment to be strong in all four phases of the game," Nelson said. "It's extra special getting this one on senior day. I am proud of the team and looking forward to closing out the regular season this coming week!"
The Bears will close out their two-game home stand on Thursday with a 7 p.m. match against Southern Illinois at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium. Admission is free for the team's regular-season home finale. MoState will conclude the regular season with a trip to Evansville next Sunday.
Valley frontrunner Drake closes out the campaign with road games next week at Murray State (Thursday) and Belmont (Sunday).
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