EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – The Missouri State women's soccer team was dominant here Thursday in a 2-0 win over SIU Edwardsville in the 2023 season opener for both teams.

Kaeli Benedict's score late in the first half was all the Bears needed, while Julia Kristensen tacked on an insurance goal in the 77th minute to put things out of reach.

"It was a solid start to our 2023 campaign against a quality 2022 NCAA Tournament team and the OVC champs," head coach Kirk Nelson said.

The Bears established their lead with a goal late in the first half. In the 36th minute, Benedict sent the ball straight into the net with an assist from Iraia Arrue. Benedict made the shot having only come on to the pitch less than two minutes earlier.  It was her first score of the season.

It did not take the Bears as long to score in the second half. Kristensen rocketed the ball in with 14:47 left in the match. Using an assist from preseason honoree Grace O'Keefe, the Central Missouri transfer was able to tally her first goal for Missouri State.

"The two exhibitions we played exposed some growth areas and the team did a great job of applying out training concepts into today's match," Nelson said.

The Bears took every opportunity they could, outshooting the Cougars by a 16-1 margin. Gracie English totaled the most shots and shots on goal with four and three, respectively. Hailey Chambliss, O'Keefe and Kristensen all recorded three shots as well. Ana Paula Fraiz, Carly Raunig, and Benedict all contributed one shot for a total of 16 shots for the Bears.

Goalkeeper Camielle Day recorded another shutout, playing the full 90 minutes for her tenth shutout of her collegiate career.

"I have to give tons of credit to the entire team defending as a unit to keep the shutout. Plus, it's always exciting to see us creating dangerous opportunities that got us the win. Time to get ready for Sunday," Nelson said.

Next up, the Bears return home to face the Oklahoma State Cowgirls in the home opener at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free at all home games this season.