SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State women's soccer team fell to No. 19 Saint Louis, 4-0, at home on Thursday.

The visiting Billikens (2-0-2) got an early penalty kick goal and built a 2-0 advantage before halftime. SLU then tacked on two more goals in the second half to close things out and hand the Bears their second loss of the season.
 
The Bears (1-2-1) had their share of offensive opportunities, taking 13 shots on the night with nine on-goal. The Billikens responded with 19 shots and 14 on-goal. Forward Grace O'Keefe led the Bears offense with three shots, two on-target.
 
MSU goalkeeper Camielle Day recorded a season-high eight saves, while Ella Becker recorded her first career save in her first nine minutes of action in goal for MoState.
 
Lyndsey Heckel opened SLU's scoring in the seventh minute with a penalty kick. Julia Simon followed her in the 19th minute off an assist from Heckel. In the second half, Emily Gaebe found the net with an assist from Hannah Larson in the 53rd minute. Audrey Smith closed it out for Saint Louis in the 73rd minute with an assist from Nina Preusser.
 
"The mentality of our program is to play quality, tough opponents," head coach Kirk Nelson said. "Even though the score line didn't go our way, we battled every minute of that game and played our style of play the whole time. I am very proud of the team, and these are the types of games that make us better and get us ready for the next contest and beyond. Can't wait for Sunday!"
 
The Bears round out their nonconference home games with a visit from Central Arkansas on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free to all home games at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium this season.