The Missouri State women's soccer team (9-5-3, 4-1-1) beat the Illinois State Redbirds (10-5-1, 5-1-0) this afternoon in the wind and rain at Plaster Field, 1-0.  The beginning of the match was delayed by lightning, but the Bears battled on amid the Redbirds' pressure.

With the win, Missouri State clinched the second seed and a bye in the first round of the MVC Tournament next week.  It is the highest conference seed ever for the Bears and most conference wins since 2003.

Illinois State used the wind to control play in the first half.  The Redbirds earned six corners and took the only four shots of the period, but Missouri State's defense held the line and the teams went to halftime deadlocked.

Missouri State got the wind at its back in the second half and took advantage.  Claire Hulcer tracked down the ball up the left side in the 54th minute.  She drilled a low shot from about 25 yards out that trickled through the Redbird keeper and across the line to put the Bears up 1-0.

Missouri State goalkeeper Jessica Teahan made four saves in recording her seventh shutout of the season.  The Bears recorded nine shutouts on the season, matching last season's total.  Her goals against average of 0.79 is the second-best season total in team history.

Offensively, Samantha Aguilar led the team in points (11) and goals (5) for the second consecutive season.  Megan Jaskowiak led the Bears with four assists.