The Drury Panthers and Arkansas State Indians faced off, with the Panthers earning a 1-0 win this morning on Melissa Perry’s early goal, as the teams move into the heart of the Spring exhibition season. Today’s game reemphasized the importance of next years junior class, with Tina Athanasiadis (F – pictured in white), Sarah Goodman (MF), Chloe Moushey (D) and Barri Bulla (GK) providing the strength down the middle. Melissa Perry (F) along with Emily West (MF/F) and Olivia Phillippart de Foy (MF/F) from the current freshman class all played significant roles as well and that will increase. There will be another opportunity today at 2pm to see the girls as well as a couple more home matches. Watch for information here.
Now I’m off to check out the Missouri State Bears vs the Missouri Southern Lions (D2)! Both teams took some time finding their rhythm which opened up the pitch for attacks by each team. 
As the wind increased, the Bears were able to take advantage by pushing the ball down the wings, including new Nebraska transfer Kellie Jensen who’s attacking runs from right outside back (pictured) should make her a likely replacement for Caroline Rooker who is graduating. Samantha Aguilar scored off a fine run by Nicole Logan into the box in the 28th minute but the Lions returned the favor only two minutes later. Ashley Turner put a ball into the box from 40 yards out on a set piece, tucked away into the corner past a diving Jackie Jasper by Lauren Kurelac, a senior to-be from Blue Springs. Logan restored the one goal margin in the 39th minute when she pounced on a ball that slipped out of the GK’s hands, putting it in from the end line. I missed the second half, anyone have the result? Update – final was 2-1 for MSU.
