Box Score | Season Stats

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. -- On paper, the SBU Bearcats seemed to play an even match against the Truman Bulldogs in every category except the one that matters. The 'Cats fired 22 shots compared to Truman's 26, but all were stopped, as the Bulldogs defeated SBU, 3-0.

The Bearcats fired ten shots on goal, but reigning MIAA Player of the Week Jayne Grisham stopped them all to earn her third straight shutout for Truman. The 'Cats managed the first shot of the game, but the attempt from freshman forward Ashley Creason sailed wide. Just over nine minutes later, Truman struck their first score, from about 32 yards out.

Truman appeared to control possession for much of the first half, outshooting the Bearcats 13-4 during the 30 minutes between their first two goals. In the 40th minute, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 2-0 off Kristina Weishar's first goal of the season.

The 'Cats had a pair of frantic moments early in the second half that very well could have led to a tied match. SBU had four shots that were blocked by defenders within a three minute period starting in the 51st minute. Later, in the 68th minute, Erin Boschen and fired a blocked shot that was collected by Bearcat defender Halee Ruckmann, who then had her own shot interrupted. Freshman and leading goalscorer Shonee Samia had one final look at the goal, but her opportunity was saved by Grisham. Less than a minute later, Truman was able to counter and put the game away, with the third goal of the match.

With the loss, the Bearcats now possibly face what is a make-or-break match against Nebraska-Omaha to remain relevant among the NCAA South Central Regional contenders. SBU travels to Omaha to face the Mavericks this Saturday, October 23, at 5 p.m.