SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State women’s soccer team officially surpassed its best start in program history Thursday. The Bears improved to 3-0-2 on the season with a 2-2 tie against visiting Oral Roberts at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium.
Never before had the Bears made it through their first five games of the season without a loss. The club’s previous high-water mark was a 3-1-1 start in 2001.
“It was not our best effort, but we got the tie and remain unbeaten,” head coach Krik Nelson said. “Tonight was an extremely physical game. Credit goes to ORU for pressing for the whole 90 minutes. The entire team did a good job of staying in the game and working to keep the energy level high and grind it out.”
The Bears kicked off the night’s scoring with a goal in the 11th minute. Carly Raunig put MSU on the board with an assist from Julia Kristensen. This was Raunig’s first career goal and Kristensen’s first assist of the season.
The Golden Eagles knotted things up in the 33rd minute with a tally by Amy Alexander. However, Reilly Heman put the Bears back in the lead just two seconds before the half. Kaeli Benedict set Heman up with a corner kick that Heman was able to head into the goal just ahead of the halftime horn. It was also Heman’s first goal of her collegiate career.
MoState’s lead held until ORU’s Gabrielle Abbey tied things up in the 51st minute, which resulted in the 2-2 deadlock.
Camielle Day put up six saves against ORU to preserve the tie. The Bears defense also had a save and prevented nine on-target shots from making it into the net.
Missouri State will head out on the road on Sunday to face Tulsa at 3:00 p.m. The Bears return home on Thursday, Sept. 7 to square off with in-state foe Lindenwood at 7 p.m.
