McKendree University Athletics

LEBANON, Ill. | Leemon Field - McKendree University women's soccer (3-0-0) added its first shutout of the season while head coach Tim Strange earned his 600th career victory as the Bearcats held off Delta State, 1-0, on Tuesday morning. "I want to thank a lot of people; the administration for the support through the years, the players who made this all possible, and my family for always being there for me through the good and the bad. It's a lot of years, a lot of wins, and a whole lot of hard work.", said Strange. The day was won behind the lone goal being struck by junior forward Maddie Mauch while senior goalkeeper Peyton Baker tallied the squad's first clean sheet of the season. Strange and the Bearcats grabbed a third-straight victory to begin the 2026 campaign and will round out non-conference play on Thursday, September 3, at Christian Brothers with a 4:00PM kick off.

McKendree continued its non-conference stint with its second home game in three days and its third game in six days as Delta State made the trip to Lebanon for a Tuesday morning bout. The first half, null and void of scoring, still saw plenty of action as the Bearcats fired off 12 shots, bombarding the Statesmen's defense with constant pressure. McKendree allowed just three shots in the first half while giving up zero corner attempts. Halftime came with a nil-nil score yet was warmly welcomed as temperatures hit upper-90s, shifting the contest from its original 1:00PM kickoff slot. 

The second half created an uptick is pressure back from DSU, with five shots from the Statesmen but saw Baker collect four saves and hold the clean sheet. The Bearcats' offense did not let up in the same regard as seven shots were put up by the Bearcats, including five on-goal, along with four corner kicks being earned. McKendree managed to break through in its pressure early in the latter 45 as Mauch launched her third goal of the year and marked her second game-winner in the 51st minute. The 1-0 advantage for the Bearcats held true for the remainder of the half, giving McKendree its third victory of the campaign and Strange his 600th career win.

McKendree's attacking pressure came across the board as eight players fired shots on the day with five putting up on-goal attempts. Baker and the defense continued its stance and reputation of holding true, allowing single-digit attempts and just three corners overall in the contest. Baker amassed six saves in the contest to go along with her first shutout of the year and 13 career clean sheet.