BOX SCORE

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- After waiting an extra night to kick off the 2010 season, the SBU Bearcats knocked off the nationally-ranked Quincy Lady Hawks in Springfield, 1-0. Originally scheduled to be the 'Cats home opener on September 2nd, the match was moved to Harrison Stadium on the campus of Drury University due to heavy rain in the area.

Goalkeeper Megan Link started her sophomore season on the right foot, recording her fifth career shutout and making eight saves. The only goal of the match came in the 34th minute, from freshman midfielder Brenna Lacaillade, whose shot from about 25 yards out dipped just below the crossbar.

"Megan did an awesome job, she came up with some big saves," said Bearcat head coach Rob Podeyn, who earns his first win against a ranked opponent with SBU. Although it won't appear in the box score, senior midfielder Lindsey Boden had a solid day on the pitch as well, challenging the ball on defense and delivering quality passes to the Bearcat attackers. "Lindsey probably played the best game I've seen her play."

Junior Kelly Isaac led the team with a pair of shots, although both were off target. The Lady Hawks out-shot SBU, 16-5. Quincy appeared to dominate possession throughout the match, but the Bearcat defense was able to hold on for the clean sheet. "We feel good about the win, but we want to keep it in perspective," said Podeyn. "We had a problem linking everything together."

SBU now has a couple days to rest and prepare for the trip to Denver, Colorado, where they will face another nationally-ranked opponent in Metro State. The Roadrunners are currently #10 in the NSCAA Division II poll. "Metro State is always in the national picture. Being so young, I want to see how we respond, and who will step up and play," said Podeyn.

With the win, SBU has taken four straight season-opening matches. It's also the second straight year where the 'Cats have defeated the Lady Hawks to kick off the season.

The Bearcats are back in action on Monday, September 6th, when they face Metro State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 pm CDT. SBU's first home game will now be September 16th, when Missouri Western comes into Bolivar for a mid-week match, scheduled for 4 pm.