Box Score CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Belmont women's soccer exploded for four goals in the second stanza to record its first victory over Southeast Missouri in program history. The Bruins slipped past the Redhawks, 4-2, on Sunday afternoon at Houck Field and improved to 5-2-0 in conference play.
The victory moves BU to 9-4-1 overall, marking the most victories in a single season under the helm of head coach Heather Henson. After failing to find the back of the net in the first 54 minutes of the match, the Bruins netted four in a span of 18 minutes including three of which were contributed by senior forward Belicia Mendiola (McKinney, Texas).
While the Bruins led both squads in shots, 7-3, at the midway point of the match, they struggled to find open looks against the Redhawks defense. Forwards Sydney Cason (Hendersonville, Tenn.) and Mendiola were the only two to fire a shot on goal. Mendiola's shot posed the biggest threat of the half, forcing Kindra Lierz to make a diving save and nearly tap the ball away from the goal.
On the other end, Belmont's defense only allowed SEMO to find the frame one time on a shot by Esmie Gonzales from 22 yards out. Sophomore keeper Lily Herman (Springboro, Ohio) blocked the shot before it could find the back of the net. Aside from Gonzales' take the Bruins rarely allowed the Redhawks to make their way into BU territory and intercepted passes when they would break through. Junior Sarah Bossung (Nashville, Tenn.) halted a SEMO forward who was making a run, the veteran defender swiped the ball and cleared it to ensure the match remain scoreless at the half.
The Redhawks looked to strike in the opening moments of the second stanza as they put together a set piece that allowed Hannah Compernolle to send a laser at the goal. Herman had another a great read and made a diving save to keep SEMO from getting the advantage.
Belmont ended the stalemate in the 54th minute when Mendiola delivered the ball to Cason 16 yards out. With just one touch of the ball the Hendersonville, Tenn. product found a crevice that Lierz couldn't cover and gave the Bruins the lead, 1-0.
Both squads' offense woke up in the ensuing 20 minutes as they collectively combined for five additional goals. Belmont jetted out to a quick 3-0 advantage after Mendiola and freshman Julie Garst (Franklin, Tenn.) each scored before SEMO would counter back with a tally of their own. However, BU wasn't satisfied with a two-goal lead as junior Megan Michela (Carol Stream, Ill.) booted in a shot from 25 yards out to put the Bruins ahead. 4-1.
SEMO continued to fight, cutting its deficit in half, 4-2, on a header from Katie Lever before everything finally settled for the remaining 12 minutes of the match. After Lever's goal Belmont ensured that the Redhawks wouldn't sneak back any further as the team continued to make critical stops to solidify the win.
Mendiola has now tallied nine goals and eight assists this season, both career marks for the Belmont standout.
UP NEXT
Belmont closes out its home slate next Sunday, Oct. 15 when they host Murray State. The match is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. with celebrations for senior day coming before first touch.
