LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University women's soccer team's defense delivered its third straight shutout, and sophomore forward Olivia Taylor found junior midfielder Audrey Van Der Elst for the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Rockhurst on Friday at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

Van Der Elst's second goal of the season for Bellarmine (6-3-4, 5-3-4 GLVC) came in the 75th minute against Rockhurst (7-8, 5-7). From near the right sideline, Taylor sent a cross toward the near post, where Van Der Elst rammed the pass into the net on a header for a 1-0 lead.

"We told Audrey in the first half that she deserved more for the work she had been doing in the attack, but she had to be more aggressive attacking the ball," Bellarmine Coach Chris Tinius said. "That little extra effort to get across her defender on a good service from Liv was the difference in the game."

Bellarmine's defense made the goal stand up. Senior goalkeeper Taylor Smith, fellow captain Kelsey Lober, a senior center back, and their colleagues in back posted their eighth shutout of the season. The Knights have yielded a single goal over the last six matches.

"We've mentioned the attack a lot because that's been the sticking point, but it shouldn't get lost what we've been doing defensively," Tinius said. "That was another great performance for another shutout. The way we've played in the back and screening spots lately has really allowed us to promote taking more risk in the attack."

Bellarmine didn't score in the first half, but the Knights were assertive offensively from the get-go, finishing with a 10-4 advantage in shots at halftime. Both teams attempted five shots in the second half, as the Knights owned a 15-9 advantage for the match. Bellarmine edged Rockhurst 5-3 in shots on goal and moved to 2-0-1 over its last three contests.

"That's another good result and another good performance from our team," Tinius said. "I thought we were really good in the first half creating a lot of chances. It's funny: The game was more even in the second half, but we looked more determined in a few moments despite fewer overall chances."

Bellarmine will host Drury at noon (ET) Sunday. It will be Senior Day for the Knights.

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