Oklahoma State University Athletics
No. 13 Cowgirls Top Missouri, 2-0
October 09, 2006 | Cowgirl Soccer
“We knew Missouri would play hard, but we are obviously trying to keep our roll going,” co-head coach Colin Carmichael said. “We have had different kids stepping up all year. It is a team effort every time we take the field.
“I think the girls buy into the team, and that we win games as a group and not as individuals. As long as we keep that mentality, I think we can go far.”
Oklahoma State is off to its best start in school history at 11-2-1 overall and 6-1 in Big 12 play. Missouri is 8-6 on the year and 0-5 in conference action.
Sasa Jackson played a pass into the corner and Bridget Miller tried to cross the ball into the box, but the ball went over the keeper and into the corner of the net for her first goal. Miller has only taken four shots from her defender position, but sent in several crosses looking to set up teammates.
“It feels nice, especially being a defender and not getting many chances to score,” Miller said. “It was supposed to be a cross, but I will take what I can get. It was a team effort all the way around.”
Missouri tried to attack the stellar Cowgirl defense and out shot OSU 10-6 in the first half, but again it was the Cowgirls who finished their opportunities. Just before halftime, the Cowgirls received a free kick, and Niccole Grimaldi found the head of Bettina Grossmann for her first goal of the season.
The two goal lead was more than enough for Erin Stigler and the Cowgirl defense. Stigler had four saves on the day and is 5-1 as the OSU starter with three shutouts.
“It feels really good, but I have a really good team helping me out,” Stigler said. “I am just grateful for the opportunity I have been given and hopefully it shows on the field.”
The Cowgirls had a couple of opportunities late to add to the lead, and both of them came from Jackson. Jackson twice was alone with the keeper and had one attempt roll off the post, while MU keeper Jessica Lewis saved the other.
Missouri out shot the Cowgirls 17-11 for the game, but it was OSU who made the necessary plays to win the game. The Cowgirls have been out shot in three of their last, but they have won three of the four games.
Oklahoma State will travel this week to play Baylor in Waco, Texas on Friday at 7 p.m., before tangling with Texas Tech in Lubbock on Sunday at 1 p.m.
