LYNCHBURG, Va. – Missouri State women's soccer collected its first-ever Conference USA point on Friday afternoon, battling to a 0-0 draw at Liberty in the program's league debut. The result extends the Bears' unbeaten streak in conference play to 21 games, with their last league loss coming in October of 2022.

The Bears created several dangerous chances in front of goal. In the 39th minute, Lillie Rasmussen slipped a pass into the box that Maggie O'Keefe lifted just over the bar. In the 56th minute, Reilly Heman nearly delivered the breakthrough, cutting inside and firing a strike that rattled the woodwork and bounced on the goal line but did not cross. In the 81st minute, O'Keefe sent a driven cross into the area that Rasmussen headed off the bar.

On the other end, Liberty's high-powered front line tested the MSU defense with 13 shots, including six on frame, but the Bears' back line held strong. Goalkeeper Ella Becker was sharp throughout, recording six saves to earn her third shutout of the season and preserve the clean sheet.

"This was an extremely hard-fought battle on the road against a high-level opponent," head coach Kirk Nelson expressed. "I am so proud of the entire team and staff to start off Conference USA with a shutout. Flying across the country and facing an unknown opponent for the first time is a new adventure for us, and we stepped up to get our first CUSA point. I'm excited to keep this momentum going into our next matches."

Missouri State (3-5-2, 0-0-1 CUSA) finished with 10 shots and six corner kicks in a tightly contested matchup, while Liberty (5-3-3, 0-0-1 CUSA) edged the shot count 13-10.

The Bears continue their CUSA slate on the road next week, visiting Jacksonville State on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m. in Jacksonville, Ala., before traveling to Kennesaw State on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m.