Redhawks deposit lone goal against Tech on senior day

~ Jackson graduate Bobbi Jo Schlick helps lift Southeast to 1-0 win

The Southeast Missouri State women's soccer team is filled with underclassmen.

Those younger players wanted to make sure the squad's only two seniors would be able to celebrate their special day with a victory.

"We wanted to win for the seniors," freshman Bobbi Jo Schlick said.

Schlick more than did her part in making that happen as the Jackson High School graduate scored the lone goal during Sunday's 1-0 victory over Tennessee Tech on senior day at Houck Stadium.

Stephanie Kulavic and Lauren Lacopo, who were honored before Southeast's final regular-season home game, flashed constant smiles afterward as they received congratulations from teammates and relatives.

"Everybody worked so hard for us," Kulavic said.

Kulavic and Lacopo both have been solid four-year contributors for the Redhawks, including playing key roles on NCAA tournament teams in 2006 and 2007.

"It's been an awesome experience," Lacopo said of her time at Southeast. "I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Kulavic expressed similar sentiments.

"All we've accomplished as a team," Kulavic said. "It's just nice to be a part of it."

Southeast coach Heather Nelson said Kulavic and Lacopo have meant so much to the Redhawks' program.

"They've both been just wonderful leaders in all different sorts of ways," Nelson said. "They're really genuine people."

Schlick didn't waste any time in putting Southeast ahead to stay as she scored less than three minutes into the match.

After Tech failed to clear a ball near the top of the box, Schlick gained control and rocketed a left-footed shot from 20 yards out into the upper-left corner of the net.

It was Schlick's team-leading fifth goal of the season.

"She's having a wonderful freshman year," said Nelson, whose squad started five freshmen Sunday.

Schlick is right-footed but has learned to be adept with both feet.

"I was concentrating real hard," she said. "I'm just glad it went in."

Both sides had several solid chances the rest of the way but neither could capitalize.

Southeast freshman goalkeeper Kristen Starkey made one save in her sixth shutout of the season, which leads the Ohio Valley Conference. She reduced her goals against average to 0.84, which also leads the league.

"Tech is a solid team. It's a good win for us," said Nelson, whose squad held a 12-8 advantage in shots.

Southeast, which also blanked visiting Jacksonville State 1-0 Friday, improved to 7-5-2 overall and 2-1-2 in OVC play.

The Redhawks are tied for fifth in the nine-team league but have moved within striking distance of the squads ahead of them.

Tech (4-10-3, 3-2-2) is in third place.

"It was a really good weekend for us," Kulavic said.

Southeast returns to action Friday at Morehead State.

Dale joins team

Chelsea Dale, a 2008 Jackson High School graduate, recently joined the Redhawks and played off the bench in both weekend matches.

Dale originally signed with Southeast before last season but never suited up for the Redhawks.

"She's an excellent athlete," Nelson said. "We're glad she's with us now."