Missouri State University

Oct. 24, 2012

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Missouri State women's soccer team (8-7-2, 2-2-1) needs a win or a tie against Indiana State (6-9-2, 1-3-1) on Thursday in order to secure a spot in this season's MVC Women's Soccer Championship. The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and the Bears will honors the five seniors in a pre-game ceremony.

"This group has had a very good run," stated head coach Rob Brewer on his senior class. "They have worked very hard and are good in the classroom. We have relied upon the seniors this year with a very young team. It has been a pleasure to have this group in the program for the last four years and I hope they can go out on a positive note with a run in the MVC Championship."

The Bears have played exceptionally well at home this season, especially on the defensive end of the pitch. MSU senior Chelsea Voet has allowed just one goal all season at home and has recorded seven shutouts, tied for the most in the league.

Fellow senior Grace Cross has been vital to the Bears' success as she has started 55 consecutive matches entering Thursday, the longest active streak on the team. Cross also scored the game-winning goal with just six seconds remaining in the match the last time Indiana State visited Plaster Field.

On offense, senior Michelle Sommer leads the team in shots with 35 this season, eighth in the league. On Sunday, she moved into fourth on the all-time program list for shots taken with 133.

Rachel Weimer and Molly Brewer have been a potent one-two punch up front for MSU. Weimer is fourth in the league in points (14) and goals (6). Brewer is third in the MVC with five assists.

The Bears have gone undefeated in the last four matches against the Sycamores (3-0-1). All three wins have been shutout victories for MSU. In 2011, Sommer scored with 49 seconds remaining in the first half as the Bears were victorious, 1-0. In 2010, the Sycamores last trip to Plaster Field, Cross scored the game-winner in the closing seconds for a 1-0 blanking of ISU.

Missouri State seniors Kelly Caldwell, Grace Cross, Michelle Sommer, Chelsea Voet and Nia Williams will have their careers honored before Thursday's match, the team's regular season finale.

Fans can purchase tickets at the gate on game day and, as always, students are free with ID. The women's soccer team will give away an iPad if 1,000 fans attend the match on Senior Night.

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