GAME 6: SBU BEARCATS (4-0-1, 2-0) at NORTHWEST MISSOURI ST. BEARCATS (5-1, 1-1)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - 11:30 AM
BEARCAT PITCH - MARYVILLE, MO

SBU NOTES

MARYVILLE, Mo. -- In a 'Battle of the Bearcats', SBU faces off against Northwest Missouri State, in what is SBU's first road conference match, after starting off the MIAA season a perfect 2-0. Wins last week against Emporia State and Missouri Southern have put the purple Bearcats on top of the MIAA standings, as well as earned them a number six ranking in the South Central Regional. SBU has shown to be one of the most high powered offenses in the league, leading the MIAA in shots per game (16.40/game), second in points per game (6.60), and second in goals per game (2.40) Junior forward Jaymye Ross, who continues to anchor the attack, has a team-high three goals on the season so far, after connecting on a goal in SBU's 3-0 win over Emporia. Ross also leads the team in points, with nine, on three goals and three assists. Freshman Taylor Vick has been another big piece to the puzzle, ranking second in the MIAA in assists, with three over five games.

THE COACHES AND THE ALL-TIME SERIES
SBU head coach Rob Podeyn has gotten his team off to a solid start in his first season in Bolivar. Tracy Hoza is in her seventh season as coach at Northwest Missouri. During her tenure, the green Bearcats have earned a 42-66-13 record.

SCOUTING THE GREEN BEARCATS
Northwest Missouri State has also gotten off to a strong start, going 5-1 in the early season, earning them a no. 8 ranking in the most recent NSCAA/Adidas South Central Regional Poll. The Bearcats have one of the strongest all-around teams in the MIAA, ranking first in shots per game (14.17), as well as margin of victory (1.00/game). On the defensive end, goalkeeper Kira Lazenby has been one of the best players in goal in the league, with the second-best goals against average (0.65 goals per game), and leading the MIAA in save percentage (.867), as well as shutouts (3).

Leading the offense is a trio of green Bearcats: seniors Andrea Tritz, Sara Meldlnger, and junior Heidi Sobota each have two goals over six games, with both of Sobota's goals coming against MIAA opponents. Junior forward Kelsey Sanders supports the offense and leads the team in assists, with three.