This Afternoon, the Bearcats welcomed in Murray State for an afternoon battle here at Gettler Stadium, as the Bearcats (1-0-2) would look to get back in the win column after their last two contests ended in draws vs a very tough Michigan State team, and Bowling Green over the last week. Neil Stafford and the Bearcats are looking to get some points on the board as they get play started in what will be game one of a two game homestand for the Bearcats.
Starting 11 for the Bearcats- Ashley Barron, Ellie Flower, Vanessa DiNardo, Brandi Thomsen, Sarah Kate Rath, Lauren Bastain, Maddie Thiss, Taylor Nuncio, Kendall Battle, Anna Rexford, Emma Schmelzer.
Starting 11 for the Racers- Camille Barber, Saraya Young, Morgan Bodker, Audrey Henry, Jadyn Garza, Mary Hardy, Hailey Cole, Lauren Payne, Sydney Etter, Grace Bodker, Jenna Villacres.
The Bearcats would look to control the tempo early after Vanessa DiNardo and Ellie Flower both had a shot on goal early, but Jenna Villacres made great saves on both of them, and the Bearcats were looking to establish some momentum early. The Bearcats would keep their foot on the gas as they would find the net as Ashley Barron, would connect on the assists from Brandi Thomsen and the Bearcats reigning AAC Defensive Player of the Year would get her first goal of the 2022 season to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute. The Bearcats wouldn’t be able to add to the early lead after the 12th minute goal from Barron, however they finished the first half allowing no shots on goal, as the Bearcats defense was stellar behind Taylor Nuncio, Kendall Battle and Ashley Barron as those three anchored the back end for the Bearcats.
The Bearcats would come out firing in the second half as sophomore Ellie Flower would connect on a laser just 21 seconds into the second half off the Maddie Swingle assist to give the Bearcats a 2-0 lead over the Racers. The Racers would find some momentum down the stretch in the second half firing three shots on goal, but goalkeeper Anna Rexford continued her hot start to her junior season as she would hold on to eventually record her third shutout of the season. The Bearcats are anchored by a very good group of defenders between Taylor Nuncio, Ashley Barron and Kendall Battle, the Racers just couldn’t find much opportunity behind the very experienced Bearcat defense this afternoon.
The Bearcats would now improve to 2-0-2 on the season after their last two contests ended in draws vs Michigan State and Bowling Green. The Bearcats will be back in action this Thursday when they welcome in Stony Brook to Gettler Stadium This Thursday at 11:30 am for an early morning showdown.
