(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 6)—The McKendree College women’s soccer team notched its fifth consecutive victory with a 3-1 win Friday at home against Missouri Valley College.

 

The Bearcats quickly shook the rust off an 11-day layoff by posting a 20-2 edge in shots on goal against the Vikings. Three different players scored for McKendree, while freshman midfielder Sarah Ryan (Rochester, Ill./Rochester) (Rochester, Ill./Rochester) had a pair of assists.

 

McKendree, the No. 17 team in the latest NAIA women’s soccer poll, improves to 8-3-0 overall. The Bearcats will be on the road Sunday to face Millikin University in non-conference play. Match time is set for 2 p.m. Missouri Valley drops to 3-7-1 overall.

 

Senior forward Jenna Shellenberg (Troy, Ill./Triad) (Troy, Ill./Triad) gave McKendree a 1-0 lead in the 20^th minute on a header following a corner kick by sophomore midfielder Katelyn Cleveland (Collinsville, Ill./Collinsville) (Collinsville, Ill./Collinsville). The goal pushed Shellenberg’s career point total at McKendree to 99, which leaves her one shy of becoming the second player in team history with 100 career points. Kasey Stogsdill had 110 points while playing for the Bearcats from 2001-04.

 

McKendree sealed the victory with a pair of goals in the latter stages of the second half. First, senior forward Ray Ray Cole (Raytown, Mo./St. Teresa's) (Raytown, Mo./St. Teresa’s) scored in the 78^th minute to extend the lead to 2-0. Just eight minutes later, sophomore back Ashlee Ritchie (Granite City, Ill./Granite City) (Granite City, Ill./Granite City) netted her first goal of the season to give the Bearcats a three-goal advantage. Ryan assisted on both second-half goals.

 

Senior Natalie Jameson (Troy, Ill./Triad) (Troy, Ill./Triad) came within four minutes of posting the shutout for McKendree. She had to make just one save to improve to 8-2-0 on the year.