Freshman forward Brianna Buels dribbles the ball upfield on Thursday Sept. 7, 2023 at the Audrey J. Walton stadium in Columbia, Mo. Missouri's offense was strong, scoring two goals against Illinois in the first half.
Missouri snapped their three-game winless streak in their rivalry win against Illinois.
Braggin’ Rights belongs to the Tigers, as Missouri beats Illinois 2-1 after an explosive start.
“We really wanted to win this one,” said senior captain Grace Pettet. This rivalry matchup is significant to these teams due to their proximity and familiarity with one another.
Missouri started off hot, securing seven shots before Illinois was able to crack one. Their fourth shot resulted in a goal from senior forward Jenna Bartels. This was Bartels’ first goal since 2021, breaking a streak of 31 scoreless matches. The assist came off an advantage kick from senior defender Rachel Kutella.
Kutella was also in a drought, with no points in her last 21 games. The goal came in the 14th minute, marking the fifth time this year the Tigers have scored within the first 15 minutes.
The Tiger attack continued, as Kylee Simmons scored the second goal of the match after recovering the ball in the box during a flurry of Missouri chances. Simmons found the back of the net for the fourth time this year, widening her teamwide lead in goals.
Illinois finally pushed through in the second half, scoring in the 12th minute The goal was scored off a penalty kick caused by a Kutella foul in the box. The Illini continued to press, looking for the equalizer. However, sophomore goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach kept the Mizzou lead, racking up 4 saves in her first home game of the year.
“She’s a lot more comfortable now … taking a lot more of a commanding presence.” Pettet said.
The Tigers scored two or more goals in five of their six games this year, but have won and lost games on the defensive third. After allowing one goal through their first two wins, Missouri gave up nine goals during their three-game winless streak.
“We’re really locked in as a unit,” Pettet said. “We all just wanted to win so bad.”
Pettet, a defenseman, has been an integral part of the team this year. She is the only Tiger to play every minute this season, working as a consistent anchor in the defensive third.
“It’s my senior year … I want to lay it all out there,” Pettet said.
Missouri’s defense held strong, keeping their 2-1 lead to defeat Illinois and put the Tigers back in the win column at 3-1-2.
Missouri hopes to carry this momentum into their neutral site matchup against Missouri State in St. Louis on Sunday, Aug. 10 at 1 p.m.
Edited by Chase Gemes
Copy edited by Grace Knight