COLUMBIA, Mo. – @MizzouSoccer kicked off their exhibition schedule with a 6-0 win over in-state rival Missouri State Tuesday afternoon at Aubrey J. Walton Stadium. Head coach Bryan Blitz's squad took full advantage of the exhibition format, as 23 different players saw time on the pitch, including six freshman who made their debuts in the Black & Gold. All three goalkeepers saw time as well for the Tigers, as redshirt sophomore Mercedes Sapp (Windermere, Fla.) played in the first period, senior Kelsey Dossey (Plainfield, Indiana) played the second, and redshirt freshman Peyton Bauman (Flower Mound, Texas) closed the game out by playing the entire third period.
TURNING POINT
The Tigers seized the game's momentum almost instantly, as sophomore Bella Alessi (Fort Collins, Colo.) scored on an empty net just seconds after the initial whistle blew. Freshman Blythe Beldner (Wildwood, Mo.), who was just seconds into her collegiate debut, picked up the assist. The Tigers' offense flowed nicely after that, but Mizzou was able to catch Missouri State on its heels right from the jump.
TOP TIGERS
- Alessi was in top form in the match, scoring two goals with just two shots.
- Sophomore Morcquess Oliphant (Frisco, Texas) showed her speed on her lone goal on the day, running onto a nifty ball from sophomore Lindsey Whitmore (Henderson, Nev.).
- Beldner notched a goal in addition to her assist to round out her debut.
- Returners Bethany Coons (Union, Mo.) and Sarah Luebbert (Jefferson City, Mo.) also bolstered the attack, going for a goal apiece. Coons scored on an unassisted goal from about 16 yards out, while Luebbert went top left corner on a penalty shot that she drew in the second period of play.
UP NEXT
Mizzou will have one last tune up game before their regular season debut, as the Tigers will take on Big 12 Champion Oklahoma State Friday evening in Kansas City. The game will be played in Swope Park and kicks off at 7 p.m. CT.
For all the latest on Mizzou Soccer, stay tuned to MUTigers.com or follow the program on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@MizzouSoccer).