Clarksville, Ark. – The SBU women's soccer team opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion Thursday evening, defeating the University of the Ozarks 5-0. The victory gives Head Coach Debbie Pekel her first win at the helm of the Bearcats.
SBU wasted little time getting on the board as Lydia Fickle scored the first goal of the season in the ninth minute. Elli Steel followed just over five minutes later off an assist from Juana Fernandez Calvo to give the Bearcats an early 2-0 advantage. Caroline Kieffner added another just before halftime, scoring off a Fickle assist to send SBU into the break ahead 3-0.
The Bearcats continued their attack in the second half with Fernandez Calvo finding the back of the net in the 60th minute off an assist from Jade Johnson. Alyssa Broeckling capped off the scoring in the 87th minute for the fifth and final goal of the evening. Five different Bearcats scored in the victory, while Fickle and Fernandez Calvo each finished with a goal and an assist.
SBU controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting the Eagles 22-1 while holding a 10-0 advantage in shots on goal and a 9-0 edge in corner kicks. Cece Alexander and Sydney King split time in goal as the Bearcat defense secured its first shutout of the season.
The victory moves the Bearcats to 1-0 on the season as they begin a new era under Pekel. They will return to action on Saturday at Newman University with a 9am kickoff.
