Belcher earns All-MIAA honors for Missouri Southern

Missouri Southern freshman, and Louisburg graduate, Bailey Belcher had a big season for the Lions as she led the team in five statistical categories. For that, Belcher was recognized on the All-MIAA honorable mention team.

JOPLIN, Mo. – In her three seasons with the Louisburg High School girls soccer team, Bailey Belcher could score some goals.

She scored a lot of them on her way to a program record 90 goals for her career as a midfielder. Belcher hasn’t slowed down much as she has taken on a new challenge in college.

Belcher, who is a freshman for the Missouri Southern women’s soccer program, was named to the All-MIAA honorable mention team as a forward as she helped the Lions to a 7-8-3 record in a difficult MIAA schedule.

“I was extremely surprised and I wasn’t expecting any type of honors, especially because it is my freshman year,” Belcher said. “Still, it is really exciting.”

The 2018 Louisburg graduate moved from her midfield spot in high school to the forward position for Missouri Southern. Belcher took the new role head on as she led the Lions in points (13), goals (6), shots (43), shots on goal (24) and game-winners (3).

Belcher also finished in the top 10 in three MIAA categories to wrap up what was a successful season. As rewarding as it was, it took Belcher a little time to get adjusted to the college game.

“I feel like my season went really well, especially coming in as a freshman where I wasn’t expecting very much playing time at all,” Belcher said. “But my constant hard work helped get me time on the field. My transition was a little difficult at first, just because I went from play in the middle to up top. Not being able to drop down very much, and making certain runs was an adjustment, but I caught on pretty quick.”

Belcher was a key cog for the Lady Cat soccer team in her three years with the program, including the team’s state runner-up finish last season. Along with her 90 goals, she also finished with 30 assists, 210 points, 21 game-winning shots, 16 hat tricks and 278 shots on goal.

She earned first-team All-Frontier League and all-state honors all three years. Belcher was also named to the United Soccer Coaches 2018 All Central Region Team.