Big trial for the defense

~ Missouri's offense presents a test for stingy Redhawks in the NCAA soccer tournament.

The Southeast Missouri State women's soccer team can boast about its status as one of the stingiest in the nation.

The Redhawks are ranked 23rd nationally in goals-against average. They only allowed three goals once this season.

"It's staying organized," Southeast junior defender Casey Kraft said. "We have a lot of good chemistry."

The Redhawks' defense will be tested tonight when it plays in the NCAA tournament for the second straight year. Southeast faces the University of Missouri in a 7 p.m. game at Walton Stadium in Columbia, Mo.

Southeast Missouri State defender Casey Kraft challenged two Samford players for the ball during the championship game of the OVC tournament Sunday at Houck Stadium. (Fred Lynch)

"It's going to be a physical game," Kraft said. "Some of us know some of their players. We've got to be quick. We've got to be a lot faster."

The Tigers enter ranked 11th in the nation in offense, averaging 2.6 goals per game.

"It's going to be a very good game," Southeast senior defender Megan Matter said.

Southeast goalie Lindsay Pickering will play a key role in her team's success. She ranks ninth in the nation in save percentage and 23rd in goals-against average. Having Pickering in goal allows her defenders to tweak their style of play, which helps shut down opponents.

"It's easier for us to be aggressive," Matter said.

Southeast Missouri State's Megan Matter worked the ball against Samford's Leah Leppert on Sunday at Houck Stadium. (Fred Lynch)

One of the players the Redhawks will have to defend aggressively is sophomore forward Kristin Andrighetto, who leads the team with 14 goals. The Redhawks realize they'll need to help each other out and make sure they're communicating to slow down Andrighetto and the Tigers.

"Communication is really important," Matter said. "It's continuing to be worked on."

The Redhawks are coming off an undefeated season in the Ohio Valley Conference and a second straight OVC tournament title. But the players say one of their biggest advantages is knowing what to expect in the NCAA tournament. The Redhawks lost to the University of Illinois in the first round this year, but are ready to take the next step forward this season.

"It's absolutely amazing," Matter said of returning to the NCAA tournament. "Some schools dream about making it once, but we get to go two years in a row."

This year the Redhawks will have to contend with playing the host team in the first round.

Southeast Missouri State goalkeeper Lindsay Pickering is ninth in the nation in save percentage and has eight shutouts on the season. (Fred Lynch)

"It's always easier to play at home," Kraft said.

But she said she expects plenty of Southeast fans to make the drive to Columbia to help offset any Tigers advantage. And besides, she's just thankful the Redhawks get the opportunity to play in the tournament.

"It's awesome, especially two years in a row," she said.