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Box Score of First Billiken Women's Soccer Game

Three decades of excellence began on Saturday, Aug. 31, 1996, as Saint Louis University women's soccer made its official debut before a crowd of 3,214 at St. Louis Soccer Park.

The occasion was not without fanfare as a member of American women's soccer royalty was on hand to help launch the Billiken program. Julie Foudy, co-captain of the U.S. Women's National Team that had captured the first women's soccer Olympic gold medal just four weeks earlier in Atlanta, spoke to the crowd. Foudy also met with the Billikens the day before the game.
 
The Billikens cruised to victory on that memorable night, defeating Central Missouri State 9-0. Jennifer Benson, assisted by Katie Hornburg, scored the program's first goal in the 23rd minute and went on to register a hat trick, a feat that led to Conference USA Player of the Week accolades. Michelle Schaeffer tallied two goals, while Katie Stewart, Cheri Nahlik, Jennifer Tissi and Kelly Massman also found the back of the net.

Saint Louis continued to enjoy success in its inaugural season, posting a 12-6-2 overall record (including an eight-game winning streak that stood as the school record for eight years) and a 6-3 mark in Conference USA. The Billikens earned a bye into the Conference USA Championship quarterfinals, where they advanced past UAB in penalties before falling to eventual champion Cincinnati in the semifinals. Massman (first team), Trisha Underberg (second team) and Janet Oberle (third team) collected All-Conference accolades.