Freshman forward Becky Handley scored in the first minute of play to lead the Missouri State women's soccer team (5-4-2, 1-0-0) to victory in the conference opener against UNI (2-6-2, 0-1-0) at Plaster Field today.

Senior Jenna Dobkins created a turnover early in the first minute.  Handley gained possession of the turnover and drilled the ball into the upper right corner of the net from 25 yards out to get Missouri State on the board 21 seconds into the match.  The goal would stand up as the Bears defeated the Panthers 1-0.

The Bears outshot UNI, 12-7, in the match.  Handley led the Bears with four shots.  Samantha Aguilar added three shots for Missouri State. 

Missouri State had several chances to add to the lead in the second half, but UNI keeper Lauren Potzman made two spectacular saves to keep the Panthers close.

Missouri State sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Teahan made two saves, but left the match in the eighth minute due to injury.  Freshman keeper Chelsea Voet stepped in and made one save to preserve the shutout and the win.

"Chelsea stepped in and showed that she was ready to play," said head coach Rob Brewer.  "Becky played a great game all over the field today.  Her early goal was big for us."

Missouri State will continue conference play, travelling to Creighton next Saturday, October 3, for a 1:30 p.m. tilt with the Bluejays at Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium in Omaha.