NORMAL, Ill. – After securing at least a share of the program's first ever Missouri Valley Conference regular season championship last week, the Missouri State women's soccer team left no doubt Thursday by securing the outright title with a 1-0 win at Illinois State.
Senior Grace O'Keefe scored the game's only goal in the 11th minute, and Camielle Day tied Jackie Jasper's program record with her 27th career shutout. The Bears (10-4-3, 8-0-1 MVC) extended their conference regular-season unbeaten streak to 19 matches and avenged their last such loss, which came two years and a day ago at ISU.
"I want to send out a huge shoutout to the team, staff, parents and supporters for all their efforts this season," head coach Kirk Nelson said. "This accomplishment is not easy, and we will cherish every moment of it. We are also looking forward to being at home for the next game and hosting the tournament. Go Bears!"
Missouri State sits atop the conference standings with 25 points and will host the conference tournament semifinal and final rounds Nov. 7 and 10 at Allison South Stadium. Before that, the Bears host Valparaiso in the regular season finale at noon on Sunday, Oct. 27. Admission is free.
O'Keefe snuck the game-winner past Illinois State's (5-9-3, 3-4-2 MVC) Madi Valenti just 10:56 into the game on a second-chance goal with an assist from Julia Kristensen. Reilly Heman had taken two shots prior to O'Keefe and kept the ball in the attacking third to allow the Bears the opportunity they needed.
From then on, the Bears played keep away. They took nine shots with four on goal and allowed Illinois State to take three shots with one on goal. Day saved that one on-target shot with a punch up and over the cross bar.
Heman led the team in shooting with three shots total with two on goal. O'Keefe took two shots. Kaeli Benedict, Carly Raunig, Jane Hansen and Hailey Palmer each took one shot.
#GoBears
