LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Annabel Moore battled as if she didn't want to wait a second longer to record her first collegiate goal.

On Friday at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium, the sophomore forward scored early in the second half to lead the Bellarmine University women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Illinois Springfield in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

Sophomore defender Rosie Taylor notched an assist on Moore's game-winner as the Knights improved to 4-2-3 overall and 3-2-3 in the GLVC. Illinois Springfield dropped to 6-4-3 and 3-4-2 as Bellarmine senior goalkeeper Taylor Smith and the defense posted their fifth shutout.

"That was a much-needed and hard-fought result in what has become the norm of a GLVC battle," Bellarmine Coach Chris Tinius said. "It was far from perfect, but our kids worked hard this week and they were rewarded. This is a big weekend. We needed at least one result at home and hopefully more, but you can't do that without taking care of the first game."

After a scoreless first half, Taylor and Moore put Bellarmine ahead a little over two minutes into the second half. From deep on the right wing, Taylor lofted a long cross toward the top of the goal box. The ball deflected high into the air, but Moore fended off a Prairie Stars defender to retrieve it and poke it over UIS' goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute.

Moore's first collegiate goal stood as the game-winner. The Knights came within inches of scoring again late, but sophomore forward Olivia Taylor's shot caromed off the post. UIS ended up with a 12-11 advantage in shots, including 4-3 on goal, but Bellarmine's defense allowed a minimum of open looks, and the Knights did have a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.

"We continue to get numbers in better spots in the attack," Tinius said. "Hopefully that goal gives us some confidence and lets us relax a little bit in front of goal."

Bellarmine will host No. 14 Quincy at noon (ET) Sunday. The Hawks are leading the GLVC and defeated Southern Indiana 1-0 on Friday.

"I thought at times in an effort to really do some of the things we worked on recently we forgot we have to be multi-taskers," Tinius said. "I understand it because we've been really harping on certain things lately, but it will take a complete effort on Sunday if we want to defend our home turf."

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