The Standard

Issue date: 9/23/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Bazil Manietta

It may have taken a little longer than expected, but Bears goalkeeper Jackie Jasper finally has the most career wins in Missouri State women's soccer history.

After tying the record back on Aug. 31 in a 1-0 home win against Tulsa, the Bears went winless in their next three games before coming on strong Friday night against Nicholls State in a 7-0 win.

It was with this win that Jasper was able to break the tie with Alexis Stormo, who Jasper replaced after Stormo's graduation, to take sole control of the record.

"I'm sure she's happy to do it," Missouri State coach Rob Brewer said. "It's something she's worked very hard for."

"There are no guarantees. You have to stay healthy, and your team has to perform in front of you. I know she's very thankful for that."

Jasper said while she's glad to have the record, it's really a team accomplishment.

"At the same time my name's on the record, but for every single one of those games there were 10 other girls on the field with me that helped us get those wins, so I can't take all the credit," she said.

The Bears were able to dominate Nicholls State, taking a 6-0 lead at halftime

"We had a good offensive game, particularly in the first," Brewer said. "To get seven goals in one game is really just a testament to the hard work the girls are putting in on the attacking side."

That shutout plus a 1-0 win against Western Michigan on Sunday also gives Jasper the most career shutouts (26) by a Missouri State goalkeeper. Stormo held the old mark with 24.

In Western Michigan, the Bears faced a much tougher opponent that played them scoreless until, with about 29 minutes to play, Missouri State senior Allison Osmundson scored her first goal of the season to give her team the win.

"The ball got in the box, and it was cleared out by a Western Michigan defender, but it was not far enough outside the box probably and Ally Osmundson just ran on to it," Brewer said.

"Good shot kept low on the ground and right through, there were several people in front of her, but it found a way in so that's all that matters."

Besides Jasper's records this past weekend, the Bears tied the record for most assists in a game, gaining seven assists on their seven goals. It tied the record set back in 1996 in a game against Tennessee Tech.

"Records are neat and everything, but I'd much rather have a successful season and for us to do well in conference and move on further from there," Jasper said.

With the two wins, Missouri State is back over the .500 mark at 5-3-1 on the season with two games to left before conference play.

Both of those contests come next weekend when the Bears visit Oral Roberts University Friday, then come home to take on Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

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