The Saint Louis University women’s soccer team did something last Friday night that no other Billiken outfit in any sport has ever accomplished: it won the first outright Conference USA regular season championship in SLU’s history.

The Billikens’ 2-1 victory at Houston, coupled with South Florida’s win against UNC Charlotte, gave the Billikens the title.

“The way we won was the best way possible. We beat the top three teams in conference. We went to Houston and beat them on the road,” Champion said.

The Bills traveled to Houston last Friday for their final regular season game. It was a rough and physical game, as SLU lost defender Kelly Young early in the game. The Cougars scored ten minutes into the game on a goal by Kara Bullinger, shortly after Young’s injury.

The Bills attacked quickly, tying the match one minute later. After a foul, Katie Stewart played the restart. Stewart hit a 40-yard serve to Kathleen Schager. Schager headed the ball into the net from four yards out.

Both teams battled through a scoreless second half, and the match proceeded into overtime.

The score remained tied 1-1 until the Bills scored with two minutes remaining in the second overtime. Stewart scored the game-winning goal off a penalty kick.

Young said, “Katie (Stewart) took it like any other game, any other shot.”

“The team really stepped up,” Champion said. “It was a hard place to play. We did what we had to do to win the last three (games),”

The Bills echoed their coach’s thoughts.

“It was a really physical game. There was a lot of `kick and run.’ We had to adjust and not fall into playing like them,” Young said. “I’m still excited. We definitely deserve it. We played well as a team.”

“I knew we could beat them. Katie (Stewart) came up big for us,” Houston said.

The Bills victory meant even more when the South Florida Bulls defeated the UNC Charlotte 49ers later that night. The Billikens were propelled into first place and won conference.

“It was tremendous for the seniors. It was their goal at the beginning of the season. They really stepped up their workrate at the beginning of the year.” Champion stated.

Houston said, “It’s been our goal since freshman year. It’s been the best feeling I’ve had during my soccer career.”

“Winning conference is better than I ever imagined. It hasn’t really hit me yet. What a way to go out,” Amy Schmidt said.

“We have so much talent. It was just a matter of blending,” Mandy Trokey said. “We’ve had so much dedication and support on and off the field.”

“Now we have a chance to show we’re the best team in conference,” Katie McDonnell said. “We worked well as a team and surprised a lot of people.”