Severe Thunderstorms Force No Contest for Women's Soccer at Mizzou
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Belmont women's soccer team was looking to make a splash on Friday night in its 2010 season opening game at the University of Missouri but not this way. The first-ever meeting between the Bruins and the back-to-back Big 12 champion Tigers was forced to a 'no contest' decision because of inclement weather. Severe thunderstorms and poor field conditions due to heavy rains delayed the game from starting and eventually halted play after BU scored a goal early in the first half.
After a 60-minute delay to even start the match, the Bruins were first to get on the board early in the first half. Senior Erica Carter (Spring, Texas) found the back of the net in the 12th minute after being fed the ball by junior Jamie Loftis (Hermitage, Tenn.) taking on the Tigers' goalkeeper one-on-one on a breakaway play for her first goal of the season. Mizzou had its chances but was thwarted by a strong defensive effort from freshman netminder Nicole Berner (Randolph, N.J.) and the Bruin defenders.
With the Bruins up 1-0, another wave of heavy rain and thunderstorms began forcing the teams into the locker rooms for safety. After one hour and 15 minutes of waiting, the contest was halted for good.
"We were under a lot of pressure. Missouri is a fast and physical team," said Head Coach Lisa Howe. "Nicole Berner had three great saves for us. Defensively, we were still able to execute despite the pressure and the weather."
"We were really good where we had to be. This was a great experience for us and if we can reschedule, we will definitely try."
The Bruins are back in action on Sunday at Southeast Missouri State. Match time is set for 2 p.m. CT.
