SPRINGFIELD – With Abby Couch and Kaeli Benedict each contributing a goal and an assist, the Missouri State women's soccer team dominated visiting Illinois State, 4-1, on Thursday to secure their first victory of the conference season.
 
Grace O'Keefe also tallied two assists to help the Bears (6-1-3, 1-0-1 MVC) remain unbeaten in Valley action.
 
The Bears fell behind early when the Redbirds got on the board on an unassisted goal by Kelsi McLaughlin in the 29th minute. However, the Bears answered less than five minutes later. Off an assist from Couch, Benedict evened the score, 1-1, in the 33rd minute.
 
Just before the intermission, Carly Raunig secured the game-winner for the Bears with another goal in the 42nd minute. O'Keefe assisted Raunig to help her get her third goal of the season.
 
"It was great to be at home after two weeks away. The team came out with a ton of focused intensity to get a solid win against a strong side," head coach Kirk Nelson said. "The team showed resilience in coming back from a goal deficit to stick with our game plan to answer with four goals. We look to keep this momentum going into our next match on Sunday at home!"
 
The second half came quickly, and the goals kept coming for Missouri State.
 
Couch was responsible for the third goal in the 57th minute. Once again, O'Keefe assisted. She now leads the team with four assists on the season.
 
Hailey Palmer scored her first goal as a Bear in the 77th minute. Palmer's strike made this the highest scoring game for the Bears this season. Benedict contributed the assist on the club's fourth tally of the contest.
 
The Bears' offense out shot the Redbirds by an 18-9 margin. Missouri State put 12 shots on goal, compared to four by ISU.
 
A pair of goalkeepers made the Bears' win a reality. Katherine Montgomery and Camielle Day both recorded a save.
 
The Bears are back at home on Sunday to take on Belmont at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free to all games at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium. Live stats will be available, and the game will be shown on ESPN+.