SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. -- Perseverance through tough times is key -- and can lead to building moments that are key in the growth and development of a program.

The women's soccer program at Shawnee State was rewarded for its perseverance Saturday evening, as Joe McCauley's squad posted a massive 26-5 shot advantage and used Lucie Ashkettle's 13th career goal in the 51st minute to score a 1-0 victory over Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (Ind.) in a River States Conference match that was held at SMWC Soccer Field in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

The Bears, who outshot Saint Mary-of-the-Woods 11-3 in the opening half and followed that margin up with a 15-2 edge in the second half on shots, placed 14 of its 26 total attempts on frame compared to just three for the Pomeroys.

Outside of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods senior midfielder Raelee Everhart, only one additional player was able to get a shot away for the Pomeroys as Shawnee State's defense was all over Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from the opening whistle.

The game remained in a deadlock for the opening 50 minutes of action, but Ashkettle, who found space on the far right side of the field, put together one of her best pieces. Lofting a ball high into the air from well outside the box, Ashkettle's ball, which was from no less than 20 yards away, connected with the near-side, top left corner of the net, giving Shawnee State the cushion it needed as the Bears ultimately took the lead for good.

Saturday's goal was not only Ashkettle's 13th career goal but her 33rd career point to boot in the match. The junior leads Shawnee State with 11 points for the 2025 season despite missing four matches due to injury.

Shawnee State (4-11-1, 3-5 River States Conference) will travel to face Midway, Ky. (4-9-1, 2-6 River States Conference) in a 5 p.m. match that will be held in Midway, Ky.

For more information on the Shawnee State women's soccer program, visit https://ssubears.com/sports/womens-soccer or check out Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ssuwsoccer.