Bolivar, Mo. – The Southwest Baptist University women's soccer team celebrated eight seniors Saturday afternoon with an impressive performance against one of the GLVC's top teams. The Bearcats battled to a 2-2 draw against second-place McKendree University, earning another point in the GLVC standings. The result moves SBU to 6-7-4 overall and 4-6-3 in GLVC play.
McKendree entered the contest with a 14-2-1 record and wasted little time getting on the board, scoring just 32 seconds into the match. However, the Bearcats refused to back down, responding early in the second half as Katelynn Young scored her fifth goal of the season and third of the week in the 48th minute to even the match at 1-1.
McKendree regained the lead just four minutes later, but SBU continued fighting. In the 81st minute, Lydia Fickle delivered the equalizer off an assist from Addi Shuler, bringing the Bearcats level once again. The SBU defense held strong over the final minutes to secure the draw against one of the conference's best teams.
The afternoon also served as a special celebration for eight Bearcat seniors: Sydney King, Annabelle Shuler, Emma Meier, Kimbrelyn Thrower, Katelynn Young, Emma Burton, Taylor Krause and Alyssa Broeckling. With family, friends, and teammates in attendance, the seniors got recognized for their dedication, leadership, and contributions to the women's soccer program.
The Bearcats finished with 12 shots, including six on goal, while goalkeeper Cece Alexander recorded five saves. Despite a big win on Wednesday and tie today, the Bearcats are mathematically eliminated from postseason. They will look to continue making history for the program by adding three more points this coming Tuesday in their final game of the season against Rockhurst University.
