LEBANON, IL - The Kentucky Wesleyan Women's Soccer team traveled to Illinois this afternoon to face the McKendree Bearcats, who were receiving votes in the last national poll. The Bearcats, who are coming off six consecutive NCAA appearances, scored two goals in the first half to propel them to the 3-1 victory. 

McKendree moves to 3-0 with the win, while Wesleyan drops to 0-2. 

The first half was dominated by the Bearcats, as they didn't allow a Panther shot the entire period, winning that battle 13-0. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Burns and her defense kept McKendree at bay for a while, but the Bearcats broke through in the 22nd minute with a goal by Lena Higgins. A goal in the 36th minute by Anna Stiffler doubled up the Bearcat's lead, making it 2-0 at the break. 

The Panthers put up a good fight in the second half, as they peppered the McKendree goalkeeper with shots for the first 25 minutes of the half until Bree Owen finally broke through, cutting the Bearcat lead in half with a solo goal. The joy was shortlived, however, as McKendree answered back just two minutes later with a goal of their own, shutting down any hopes of a comeback. The Bearcats held strong in the back and took the game 3-1. 

Bree Owen had all three shots in the game for the Panthers, all of which were on goal. Elizabeth Burns made eight saves in the loss. 

Wesleyan will be back in action on Thursday, September 14th when they travel to Pepper Pike, Ohio, to take on the Urusline Arrows to open conference play. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. 

Stay up to date on all your Panther news by following @KWCpanthers on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the "Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics" Facebook page