The Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions soccer team started its 2007 season in good fashion with a 2-0 shutout victory over the Southwest Baptist University (Mo.) Bearcats at the A&M-Commerce Sports Complex on Saturday.
“We are definitely excited with the win,” said Lions head coach Neil Piper. “It was against a good, tough opponent. It’s a great start to our season.”
Senior forward Bailey Geels put the Lions on top 1-0 at the 26:17 mark as she took a crossover pass from freshman Megan Monroe and knocked in her first goal of the season.
Only 43 seconds later, Geels added her second goal of the contest as she slipped the ball past the diving Bearcat goalkeeper Aline Lopes.
“She worked hard, so I’m glad she got rewarded for it,” said Piper. “I was hoping Bailey (Geels) would get a hat trick, but it wasn’t to be.”
Sophomore Whitney Hancock got the assist on the play.
Another standout for the Lions in the win was sophomore goalkeeper Jennifer Alvarado who notched a shutout with four saves in her first game in the nets.
“Jennifer (Alvarado) hasn’t played in goal for two years, so this is her first game, I thought she did great, she made some good saves,” said Piper.
The defense for the Lions held the Bearcats to 11 shots with only four being shots on goal.
The Bearcats fell to 1-1.
Next up for the Lions is another home game against Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) on Thursday at 4 p.m.