BOLIVAR, Mo. -- The SBU Bearcats achieved their best start in the history of the program, at 5-0-0, by defeating Emporia State, 4-2, on the SBU Soccer Pitch.

SBU's offensive duo of Rhiane Mitchell and Nicola Cousins, who both are dominating the national leader board for goals, points, and assists, scored two goals each this afternoon. Cousin's first goal, on an assist from Krysten Clardy, was a tying strike, which came in the 36th minute of the contest, after SBU had trailed the Hornets 1-0 for over 20 minutes. Cousin's struck again less than 3 minutes later, on a feed from Kelly Isaac, to give SBU their first lead of the day.

The second half belonged to SBU's Rhiane Mitchell, the national leader in points and goals, who scored in the 46th minute on an assist from Caitlin Tull. Mitchell scored again ten minutes later on a pass from Jamie Ross.

Johanna Olsson and Emily Hamilton gave up a goal each for the Bearcats.

"We've now scored more goals through our first five games than we did all last season," said SBU's head coach, Benjamin Wade. "This team is showing a lot of promise. Our record shows what kind of team we are. Anytime you do the 'best of something' in school history, it shows you are on the right track."

"I liked our team's poise today. We were down 0-1 for a while, but had great possession. I was happy that we scored those two late in the first half, to give our girls something to show for the way they played."

With the win, the Bearcats improved their record to 5-0-0, SBU's best start in history. They are 4-0-0 in the MIAA, with key matches coming up against Washburn (Saturday, September 27, 4:00, Bolivar) and Nebraska-Omaha (Thursday, October 2, 4:00, Bolivar).

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