ST. LOUIS, Mo.- The end of the regular season ended on a high note for the Missouri Baptist women's soccer team, as the Spartans defeated the short-handed Benedictine-Springfield Bulldogs 6-0.
Before the match started seniors, Alexis Baez, Jessica Pollard, Melissa Schnettler, Melissa Turney and Taylor Walsh were honored by their teammates and coaches for senior day. Schnettler was not able to attend the on field festivities due to other conflicts.
The Spartans were looking for a quick start against a Bulldog team, that was only able to put nine players on the field and didn't have any substitutes. Mid-fielder Lauren Clinton scored her fourth goal on the season just .28 seconds into the game, giving MBU a 1-0 lead. Clinton's shot was taken just outside the box and was high enough to beat the out-stretched hand of Benedictine goalie Lindsay Taylor.
Then at the 16:24 mark, Kirsten Neal added her seventh on the season, making the score 2-0 on an assist by Carly Hampel. The two goal lead stayed the same until the end of the first half, as many of the Spartan shots in the first 45:00 minutes went high or just wide.
In the second half, on a classy move by Coach Deno Merrick, he pulled one of his players to make it an even nine vs. nine matchup on the field. The scoring started just as quick as it did in the first half, with Taylor Chatmon scoring her first goal of the season, thanks to an assist by defender Taylor Jokerst, extending the lead to three goals.
The Spartan seniors were able to find the back of the net as well. Alexis Baez scored her second goal of the season in as many days, extending the lead to 4-0 at the 59:02 mark. After continuing the offensive pressure, Melissa Patchin was able to score her second goal on the season as well at the 63:11 mark, making it 5-0 MBU.
Then, Melissa Turney who normally plays defense, got to play forward in the second half, was able to receive a pass from Megan Huffman. Turney weaved her way around Bulldog goalie Taylor and was able to tap in the ball into the back of the net, scoring her first goal on the season.
Missouri Baptist was able to hold the shutout, as even though down six goals, Benedictine continued to battle until the final horn sounded. Sam Schulze made key saves in the second half, totaling five on the afternoon. Clinton, Huffman and Neal led the way offensively, combining for 19 shots and three goals.
The Spartans end the regular season with a record of 6-11-1 (3-4-1 AMC), winning their final two games by a combined score of 14-2. Up next is the American Midwest Conference playoffs, whom Missouri Baptist is playing and where is yet to be determined.
