OWENSBORO, Ky. - McKendree University women's soccer captured its second victory of the season, capping off its non-conference schedule with a shutout victory over Kentucky Wesleyan at Panther Field. The Bearcats begin Great Lakes Valley Conference play in their next match on September 12. 

McKendree extended its win streak to five games over Kentucky Wesleyan and its overall unbeaten streak to seven matches (dating back to spring of 2021).

The Bearcats added another win to its resume with a 2-0 victory over Kentucky Wesleyan behind an unrelenting attack that featured 32 shots, 16 shots on frame, and a possession advantage of 56% to 44%. The lead was taken early by the Bearcats via a penalty kick score from senior midfielder Emma Knoebel, her second goal this season. The first half featured a barrage of shots from McKendree, totaling 17 with nine on-frame. McKendree dominated the ball in the first 45 minutes of action, holding it in the attacking half for 90 percent of the period and totaling seven corners. The second period of play was highlighted by the same offensive intensity of the first half, with the Bearcats firing 15 more shots with seven on goal. The insurance for McKendree came in the 48th minute behind a strike from sophomore midfielder Reagan Mauch. The goal was the second of Mauch's career and was assisted on by sophomore midfielder Anna Stiffler. 

The net was dutifully handled by junior keeper Abby Tucker, who collected five saves and earned the win in her first start of the season; she now holds a 2-0-0 record. Tucker also nabbed her fifth career shutout in the outing. 

The ball was commanded by the Bearcats from start to finish in the match and began with the possession, a 60 percent to 40 percent advantage for McKendree in the first 45 minutes. Corner kicks and shots were also a major advantage for the visiting Bearcats, out-shooting the hosting Panthers 32-10 and dominating the corners 12-0. McKendree was challenged on the defensive side when the Panthers moved into the visiting half but the Bearcat back line held true and did not allow much action in their defensive half or the 18-yard box.

NOTES: 
Senior midfielder Emma Knoebel recorded her second goal of the season behind another penalty kick. She currently leads the Bearcats in points with five over the first three matches, recording two goals and one assist.

Sophomore midfielder Reagan Mauch recorded the second goal of her career to put the Bearcats up 2-0 early in the second period. Her first career goal came against Lewis on February 28, which was a 3-0 win for McKendree. 

Sophomore Anna Stiffler assisted on the goal by Mauch, marking her first assist this year. She now owns three points on the season behind one goal and an assist.

McKendree owns a seven-match unbeaten streak, which dates back to last season. 

Six players have now recorded at least one point for McKendree: Emma Knoebel (2 goals, 1 assist - 5 points), Anna Stiffler (1 goal, 1 assist - 3 points), Reagan Mauch (1 goal - 2 points), Morgan Bova (1 goal - 2 points), Allison Frederking (1 goal - 2 points), and Gillian Nicholson (1 assist - 1 point).

UP NEXT:
The Bearcats begin the journey through a tough GLVC with a battle against the 2019 GLVC champions and the current runner-up, Southern Indiana. The first GLVC match of the year will take place on Sunday, September 12 in Evansville at Strassweg Field. The last match between these two teams was a 5-2 victory for McKendree, which won the Bearcats the GLVC crown. 

McKendree women's soccer will play its first home GLVC match one week after opening the conference season (September 19) versus a nationally-ranked UIndy squad.

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