Bolivar, Mo. - The SBU women's soccer team began their season Thursday evening as they hosted the Columbia College Cougars. The game concluded with a narrow 0-1 lost for the Bearcats moving to 0-1 on the season. Despite a valiant defensive effort from SBU, the lone goal of the match was scored with 20 minutes remaining in the 2nd half. Freshman CeCe Alexander, SBU's goalkeeper, made a total of 7 crucial saves throughout the match.

In a game defined by tight defensive battles, SBU showcased the resilience and skill of their defensive standouts, senior Kendal Weiskopf and Alexander. Weiskopf's strategic prowess and Alexander's remarkable saves were instrumental in keeping SBU in contention throughout the match against Columbia.

Kendal Weiskopf showcased her defensive prowess throughout the match, demonstrating exceptional skills in thwarting Columbia's offensive plays. Weiskopf's was the sole Bearcat field player to play all 90 minutes of the game. Alexander's agility and shot-stopping abilities were on full display, especially in the first half when Columbia applied significant pressure with multiple shots on target. Her saves at key moments denied Columbia from extending their lead and gave SBU a fighting chance to stay in the game.

The Bearcats best chance of scoring came just 30 minutes into the first half by Freshman Samantha Mullen. Her left footed shot just outside the 18-yard box was heading into the top left corner of the goal, before the Cougars goalie outstretched hand tipped it over the bar.

The Bearcats will return to action on Saturday, September 5th as they travel to Newman University. The game will take place in Wichita, Kansas at the Wilkins Soccer Field with a kickoff scheduled for 4pm.