Bruins navigate persistent winds to tame Tigers

PAPILLION, Neb. -- Bruna Cola Bielski scored twice and Marilia Lages delivered a finishing blow as the Bellevue University women's soccer team, contending with the wind as much as their opponent, defeated Central Christian College of Kansas 3-0 on Monday evening at Papillion Landing.

Records:

Bellevue: 4-1-0
Central Christian: 3-1-0

Recap: BU 3, CCC 0

Bellevue executed their first half game plan well. Defending against the wind-aided Central Christian attack, BU limited the Tigers to six shots. Goalkeeper Sabrina Staufenbiel handled both attempts on frame without difficulty as the two sides played a scoreless 45 opening minutes.

Despite attacking into the wind, Bellevue still managed to record five shots – two on goal – in the first half.

With the win at their backs for the second half, the Bruins were much crisper and efficient in creating chances. Bellevue out-shot CCC 10-1 in the second half and held a 5-0 advantage in shots on goal.

Just over 90 seconds into the second period BU broke the deadlock. Bruna Cola Bielski and Britney Nolte played some quick touch give-and-go with Bielski threading the keeper and near side goal post to make it 1-0 in favor of Bellevue.

Millie Hopkisson nearly doubled the Bruin advantage in the 57^th minute with a shot from distance but Goldie Bougher made a leaping stop to keep Central Christian in the game.

Bielski and Nolte again connected in the 63^rd minute to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead. Nolte, from near the end line, play a ball to Bielski in the center of the box that Bielski blasted into the upper corner on the other side of the goal.

Marilia Lages put the game entirely out of reach in the 78^th minute. After intercepting a CCC pass, Lages beat a defender to get a clean look at goal and beat the keeper to the far side for a 3-0 Bellevue lead.

The Bruins saw out the game from there, recording the final four shots of the contest.

Player of the Game:

Bruna Cola Bielski – Scored two goals as she got into areas that Bellevue worked on during training to help penetrate going forward and took her chances well.

Coach Tom White:

"We created a few chances in the first half in a tough environment but became frustrated. I was happy with how the ladies reacted after the break and put in a professional performance."

Up Next:

Bellevue hosts Avila University on Thursday, Oct. 1 in their second of three-straight home games. The Bruins and Eagles will kick off at 5 p.m. from Papillion Landing.

Notes:

• Bellevue extended their streak of not allowing a goal during the run of play to 654:08 minutes which spans seven games dating back to Oct. 23, 2019.
• Bruna Cola Bielski moves into sole possession of the team lead in goals, with four.
• Britney Nolte overtakes Bielski for the team lead in assists, with three.
• The Bruins have now won the last 36 games in which they have scored first; the last loss coming Aug. 28, 2016 at Kansas Wesleyan.