Scouting the Opponents
The #2 seeded Missouri State Bears went 11-4-2 overall and 4-1-1 MVC. They received a bye in the first round of the MVC tournament. The offense of Missouri State is led by Bethany Smith and Shelby Stewart, scoring eight goals and four goals respectively. Nia Williams leads the Bears with five assists. Missouri State goalkeeper Jessica Teahan has posted 93 saves on the season for a .89 goals against average with seven shutouts.
The match up between UNI and Missouri State in the regular season ended in a 2-0 win for the Bears. After being scoreless at the half the Bears scored in the 53rd minute and the 86th minute. The Panthers and Bears were even on shots in the match at 11 a piece with the Panthers holding the slight advantage in shots on goal, 6-5.
Panthers Working Efficiently
UNI has been out shot by opponents 282-216 this season but lead opponents in shots on goal 119-118, hold the advantage in shot percentage .093 to the opponents .082, and the Panthers have the advantage in corner kicks 96-76.
Second Time's a Charm
The win over Creighton in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament marked the second MVC Tournament win in program history. The Panthers are 1-4-1 all time in MVC Tournament games. The Panther's first appearance in the semifinals was during the 2002-03 campaign.
Ending on PK's
UNI was victorious over Creighton in the MVC quarterfinals round. The game was scoreless after 110 minutes, 90 minutes of regulation, and two ten-minute overtime periods. The match went to penalty kicks to decide the victor. UNI buried all five of their chances in the back of the net and Creighton missed on their second attempt. Missy Journot capped the win with the fifth straight Panther goal. It marked the first time in UNI history that the Panthers had won on penalty kicks.
Getting Hot at the Right Time
The win over Creighton in the quarterfinals gave UNI just its second win over Creighton in 15 tries. The Panthers were 1-11-2 vs. Creighton going in to the quarterfinal match. The Panthers semifinal opponent, Missouri State, holds a 12-2-0 record against UNI.
Stepping up When it Counts
UNI had not attempted a single penalty kick all season going in to the quarterfinal match against Creighton. The Panthers buried all five of their kicks in the back of the net to pull off the 5-3 shootout win over the Bluejays. Kiki McClellan, Kala Negus, Ashley Capone, Caitlyn Fuller, and Missy Journot each took a penalty kick against Creighton and all five scored.
