NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont women's soccer closed out its 2025 season in style on Thursday afternoon, earning a 2–0 shutout win over Illinois State at E.S. Rose Park. The Bruins scored once in each half and delivered a composed defensive performance to secure their fourth win of the season.
Junior Anna Samuel put Belmont on the board early, striking in the sixth minute to give the Bruins a quick 1–0 lead. The forward capitalized on an early corner sequence, finishing confidently from close range for her first collegiate goal.
The Bruins maintained control for much of the match, outshooting the Redbirds 6–3 and creating several dangerous opportunities in transition. In the 63rd minute, Junior Laken Whittington set up Kaitlyn Elliott for the second goal of the night, threading a pass into the box that Elliott calmly buried to make it 2–0.
Goalkeepers Sydney Jones and Greta Genie split time in net, combining for the team's sixth shutout of the season. Genie notched two key saves in the second half to preserve the clean sheet, while the back line—anchored by Lillie Tabor, Sami Bird, and Eliza Paisley—limited Illinois State to just three total shots.
Midfielders Megan Miller, Ava Labocki, and Wagoner Towsen controlled possession throughout, helping the Bruins dictate tempo and close out the match effectively.
With the result, Belmont finishes the 2025 campaign with a 4-6-7 overall record and a 2-4-3 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play. The victory marks the Bruins' third clean sheet in their final five matches, showcasing the team's strong defensive foundation and late-season growth.
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