SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State women's soccer team maintained its position atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings here Thursday after defeating Murray State, 2-1.
The Bears (7-4-3, 5-0-1) beat the Racers (4-6-4, 0-3-3 MVC) due to a game-winning goal from freshman
Jane Hansen in the 76
th minute. Hansen headed the ball into the back of the net off a corner kick from forward
Grace O'Keefe. Hansen's first career goal was also the first score by a Missouri State freshman this season.
O'Keefe opened scoring in the seventh minute with a kick into the back right corner of the goal that she snuck past Murray State's Griselda Revolorio. The senior from Overland Park, Kan. was assisted by
Julia Kristensen and
Addisyn Weiskopf. It was Weiskopf's first assist as a Bear and Kristensen's sixth this season.
Murray State forward Mary Hardy tied the game in the 72
nd minute with her goal assisted by Megan Wilson.
Camielle Day made three saves in 90 minutes to bring her season total up to 50. Her career total currently sits at 190.
The Bears outshot the Racers 16-8 with 12 shots on-goal.
"Really proud of the team for showing our ability to keep battling even when a tough Murray State side equalized with under 20 minutes to play," head coach
Kirk Nelson said. "It was a huge moment for all of us to be able to get the go-ahead goal of a set piece. It's another three points to keep us moving in the right direction. We are all fired up for Sunday where we get to honor our seniors and hope to keep it going!"
With four games left in the regular season, the Bears (16 points) have a five-point lead over second place UIC (11) and third-place Belmont (10).
MoState will honor its nine seniors on Sunday when it hosts UIC at Noon at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium. Senior day festivities will take place prior to kickoff. Admission is free at all regular-season games at Allison South Stadium.
#GoBears
