LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jordan Major's job on the Bellarmine University women's soccer team is to provide an anchor for the defense.

On Sunday afternoon at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium, the senior defender was a catalyst for the offense.

Major scored on a deep free kick less than three minutes into a match with Missouri S&T as the 15th-ranked Knights remained undefeated and rolled to a 2-0 victory over the Miners in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.



Junior forward Mary Beth Gorham scored off an assist from junior midfielder Lauren Holder in the second half for Bellarmine (7-0, 4-0), which avenged a 2-0 home loss to Missouri S&T (1-5, 0-4) in last year's GLVC Tournament. The Knights added another layer to their best start in program history along with their sixth shutout in seven matches.

Major got Bellarmine going in its latest victory when she blasted a free kick from 45 yards out in the third minute. Missouri S&T goalkeeper Carrie Levy moved forward to retrieve the descending ball, but it took a high hop over her and bounded into the net for Major's first goal of the season.

Bellarmine's defense was once again a rock and proved impenetrable on Sunday. The Knights didn't allow the Miners a shot in the first half, and they only attempted two after halftime. None of the chances were on frame, as BU sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Smith notched her second straight shutout.

"Our team defending continues to be strong and, while our depth has been inconsistent, we have enough good players to find the combinations on a given day to get results," BU Coach Chris Tinius said. "I thought (freshmen) Polly Marino and Jordan Chlebowy had their best games yet. They really helped us out."

Bellarmine racked up 17 shots, with eight coming on frame. The Knights didn't take advantage of a few golden opportunities before Gorham scored her seventh goal of the season.

In the 66th minute, Holder spotted her near the top of the goal box. Gorham created space with some elusive dribbling and ripped a shot inside the right post. It marked the 30th goal of her career. Holder collected her fourth assist of the season.

Bellarmine will play at William Jewell on Friday and at Rockhurst on Sunday.

"A win is a win, and I guess you shouldn't complain when you're 7-0," Tinius said, "but we are getting a little too comfortable. There were some habits creeping in this weekend that we have to correct. We have a long road trip next weekend that will expose those if we can't improve in practice this week."

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