Sept. 2, 2005

COLUMBIA, Mo. - After going scoreless in its first two games of the season, the University of Missouri women's soccer team erupted for two second-half goals to post an impressive 2-0 victory over Indiana in the Big 12/Big Ten Challenge Friday night at Walton Stadium.

Senior Jennifer Nobis notched Missouri's (1-1-1) first goal and collected an assist after junior Aria Hudetz found the back of the net as Mizzou posted its second-straight shutout. The shutout is the fourth of sophomore Laura Buehrig's career.

"We had some really good scoring changes on Sunday against California but the goalkeeper played well," said Missouri head coach Bryan Blitz. "We worked all week on finishing our chances and creating chances, so I certainly think we're on the right track. I feel pretty good about where we are right now."

The Tigers controlled the temp early, as junior Elyse Nikonchuk slammed a free kick wide right from 30 yards out in the fourth minute. Freshman Ashley Hamblin's corner kick in the seven minute found Nikonchuk but Indiana keeper Stacey Von Boxmeer made the save and, four minutes later, Von Boxmeer came out to the top of the box to make a save on senior Amber Swinehart's breakaway chance.

Indiana's Carrie DeFreece gave the Hoosiers their best scoring opportunity of the night in the 30th minute when her shot eluded Buehrig and hit the cross bar. DeFreece corralled the rebound and fired another shot on goal but Buehrig made the save to preserve the 0-0 score.

The Tigers continued to dominate, firing four shots in the closing minutes of the first half, including a shot from Hudetz at the top of the box in the 40th minute that Von Boxmeer pounced on.

Nobis gave the Tigers a 1-0 advantage in the 53rd minute with a left-footed blast from the right side of the box after freeing herself from a defender. The unassisted goal halted a 253-minute Missouri scoring drought to open the season.

Still holding a slim 1-0 lead, Swinehart headed away a shot from Kristen Zmijewki while standing on the goal line in the 73rd minute of play. Two minutes later, it looked like Mizzou would strike again as Swinehart raced down the field with only Von Boxmeer to beat. However, the two players collided just inside the box and Swinehart was called for a foul, negating the scoring opportunity.

In the 77th minute, Hudetz gathered Nobis' feed and fired a 25-yard blast past Von Boxmeer to put the Tigers on top 2-0 with only 13 minutes remaining in the contest to close out scoring.

"We came in knowing this was going to be a really hard game," said Nobis. "But we knew before the game and after the game that if we put everything we had into it, we'd take this game."

Missouri continues Big 12/Big Ten Challenge play on Sunday with a matchup against Purdue at 1:00 p.m. at Walton Stadium. Purdue lost to Iowa State Friday night to fall to 1-2-1 on the season.