Sept. 20, 2009

MARTIN, Tenn. - UT Martin made the most of its opportunities Sunday in a 5-0 win over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in women's college soccer.

SIUE coach Derek Burton said the Cougars played with the Skyhawks, a future Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) opponent, for the majority of the match but couldn't overcome what would be a four-goal lead by halftime.

Despite outshooting the Cougars only 12-8, UTM converted four times in the first half and once more with late goal with less than 90 seconds to play.

UTM began the scoring at 25:46 when Alex Windell took a centering pass from Kendyl Wilson and punched it pass SIUE goalkeeper Claire Lovercheck.

It would take UTM just 28 seconds more to penetrate SIUE's defense as Sophie Cox scored from just outside the 18-yard line on a pass from Amy Iwanicki.

"That first goal deflated us," said Burton. "We did not bounce back from that."

Danielle Rogers and Hillary Hitz added first-half goals for the Skyhawks, now 3-4 overall. Windell would score once again on a penalty kick to close out the scoring in the second half.

Kiara Akpore led SIUE's offense with four shots. The Cougars also picked up one shot each from Chelsey Johnston, Kristen Dailey, Jenny Humphrey and Devon Thomas.

"We have a young group, and we're continuing the learning process," said Burton. The 0-6 Cougars are now idle until next Sunday when they entertain IUPU-Ft. Wayne in a 1 p.m. game at Korte Stadium.

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