EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - SIUE took 23 shots Friday night, but in the end it was Jacksonville State which came out on top, defeating SIUE 1-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both teams at Korte Stadium.

The 23 shots were one off SIUE's season high.

"We wanted to take a lot of shots," SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton said. "The players' decisions probably weren't always the best in terms of the right shot, so it's a maturing process. Shots are good, but sometimes the right shot is the best decision."

Gamecocks' freshman Courtney Hurt accounted for the only scoring in the game, netting the game-winner in the 29th minute. Hurt took a through ball from Jackie Rush and broke free on goal, then beat SIUE goalkeeper Claire Lovercheck with a hard shot to her right. The goal was the first of Hurt's career.

Lovercheck made three saves for SIUE.

Hurt's shot was one of four for JSU (2-9, 1-0 OVC) in the first half, and one of just six the entire game.

SIUE (2-3-1, 0-1 OVC) dominated play in the second half, peppering the Jacksonville State goal with 14 shots, including two strong scoring chances.

In the 61st minute, Michelle Auer lifted a cross into the box from the right wing. Meagan Iffrig got her head on the pass and re-directed the shot on goal, where JSU goalkeeper Katelyn Geddings, made a quick reaction save to keep the score 1-0.

The Cougars earned a corner kick in the 73rd minute. It was Auer again with the cross in front of the goal. This time Kourtney Price's header missed just over the crossbar.

"It can be frustrating when you get chances and you feel like something is going to pop for you in terms of getting a goal," Burton said.

Geddings made 12 saves to earn her second shutout of the season.

SIUE will have to rebound quickly. OVC play continues for the Cougars Sunday when Tennessee Tech comes to town for a 1 p.m. game.

"We have to keep doing the things that we do because we know we can score goals," Burton added. "We are getting the ball in great areas and dangerous positions and creating chances, it's just the final ball."