ROLLA, Mo. -- The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars secured the No. 1 seed for the 2006 Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament Wednesday with a 5-0 romp over Missouri-Rolla.
         The Cougars won their seventh straight game with another impressive offensive performance and an equally as strong defensive performance. SIUE, ranked No. 8 in the nation in the latest NSCAA/NCAA Division II Coaches Poll, improved to 10-3-3 overall and 10-2-1 in the GLVC.
         Despite not scoring one of SIUE's goals, Victor Pacheco broke a school record Wednesday. He recorded an assist on John Matthews' goal at 29:14 to become SIUE's all-time assist leader. Pacheco recorded his 30th career assist, passing SIUE Athletics Hall of Famer John Carenza, who finished his four-year career in 1972 with 29.
         SIUE's goal scoring once again took center stage as four different players scored. Mike Banner was first at 11:43. Bob Ridder scored in each half. Mike Zaegel closed out the scoring at 65:07.
         Wednesday's game completed regular season GLVC play for the Cougars. Much of the GLVC still has two games left this weekend. Only UW-Parkside can tie SIUE, but a 2-1 win over the Rangers earlier this season gives the Cougars the nod as the GLVC tournament's top seed.
         SIUE will not likely learn who its first round opponent will be until after Sunday afternoon's game have been completed.
         SIUE outshot Missouri-Rolla 13-9 in heavy winds. With the loss, Missouri-Rolla fell to 7-8-1 overall and 5-5-1. The Miners will head into the weekend aiming to clinch a spot in the GLVC Tournament.
                  -siue cougars-