Redhawks win soccer exhibition

Saturday night's exhibition opener for the Southeast Missouri State soccer team couldn't have gone much better.

Coach Heather Nelson got all 20 of her healthy players on the field, which was a big objective.

And the Redhawks won, another prime objective, as they scored in the final three minutes to beat visiting Evansville 1-0.

"I think it's a good start," Nelson said.

The Redhawks created plenty of solid scoring opportunities but couldn't capitalize until a late mistake by the Purple Aces.

A turnover in Evansville's end led to freshman Signe Novak converting a shot from about 20 yards out off a pass from freshman Jacey Boyko with 2:29 remaining.

"We wait for the defense to make a mistake and they made it," Novak said. "Jacey made a nice pass and I was lucky to put it in."

Exhibition or not, Novak was excited about her first collegiate goal that won't be on her resume once the regular season starts.

"It was really neat," she said. "It's something we've been working for in all our practices."

Southeast held a 10-7 edge in shots, including a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal.

The Redhawks had the better scoring chances by far, including two strong ones by Saint Louis University transfer Lauren Bozesky, who was denied both times on impressive saves.

Bozesky, a graduate student, lends experience to a young Southeast squad that features nine freshmen and eight sophomores among its 23 players.

"I'm very happy for her. She had two very good strikes at the goal," Nelson said. "She brings a lot of experience."

All three of Southeast's goalkeepers shared the shutout.

Freshman Jessica Grindstaff played the first half, with freshman Ashton Aubuchon and returning sophomore starter Kristen Starkey sharing the final period. Grindstaff made the Redhawks' lone save.

Southeast will conclude its two-game exhibition schedule at 2 p.m. Thursday at home against McKendree.

The Redhawks open the season at 2 p.m. Aug. 22 at home against Belmont.