Tara Bailes hit crossbar with Bears’ first shot in the 11th minute of play. Missouri State would record the first four shots in the match. But Creighton’s Beth Fyles converted a fast break for the Bluejays in the 25th minute to put MSU in a 0-1 hole.

Missouri State had the better play in the first half. The Bears outshot the Jays seven to four in the half. Despite allowing two corners to Creighton, the MSU defense was stout for most of the period.

The Bears kept on the pressure registering four of the first six shots in the second half. In the 74th minute, the match would take on a new perspective. Freshman Ashley Washburn received a feed from Nia Williams. Washburn drilled a bending shot into the upper left corner of the net to bring the match all-square at a goal apiece. The goal was Washburn’s first collegiate tally.

The teams headed to overtime tied at 1-1, where Jessica Teahan made arguably her best save of the season. She had to change directions and make a diving stop on a deflection of an Emily Orbell shot in the 97th minute. All told, Teahan made six saves in the match for the Bears.

The Bears outshot Creighton 15 to 12 in the match. Tara Bailes led the way for MSU with four shots. Katelyn Frederickson, Tiffany Laughlin, Shelby Stewart and Washburn tallied two shots apiece.

The MVC Tournament Finals appearance was the Bears fourth in team history. Missouri State reached the finals in 1999, 2000 and 2001, winning the title in 2000. It was the Bears’ seventh overtime match of the year and second-straight in this year’s MVC Tournament.

Jordan Reppell, Nia Williams and Jessica Teahan were named to the MVC All-Tournament team for Missouri State.