WC Missouri News

The University of Central Missouri Jennies Soccer team, ranked ninth nationally, defeated the 24th-ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcats with a score of 2-1 in an MIAA conference match on Friday at the South Recreation Complex in Warrensburg.

Central Missouri improved to a 6-2-3 overall record and remains undefeated in MIAA play at 3-0-2. The Jennies are scheduled to play their next match against Missouri Western State University on Sunday afternoon.

The Jennies established their lead early in the first half. Mackenzie Smith scored her first goal of the season in the 10th minute by heading a pass from Kate Ricker after a corner kick by Coryn Jespersen. Mikayla Ernst extended the lead to 2-0 in the 32nd minute after receiving a pass from Alexandra Hofbauer and scoring her eleventh goal of the season, which leads both her team and the MIAA.

Northwest Missouri State managed to score in the 84th minute, but Central Missouri maintained its advantage for the rest of the match. The Jennies outshot Northwest Missouri State by a margin of 12-8 overall and had more shots on goal, finishing with seven compared to five for their opponent. Central Missouri also led in corner kicks, taking ten while Northwest managed three.

Goalkeeper Kristen Wright played all ninety minutes for Central Missouri, allowing one goal and making four saves. Lily Ellis was in goal for Northwest Missouri State and recorded five saves while conceding two goals over ninety minutes.