EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Erin DiGiovanni scored her first career goal just 1:51 into the game, and SIUE women's soccer made it stand, shutting out Eastern Illinois 1-0 Sunday at Korte Stadium in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both schools.

DiGiovanni's goal came as a result of a corner kick. Cassidy Sherman corralled a loose ball in front of the goal and found DiGiovanni who buried it from five yards away.

"We got the goal early, and it stood up," SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton said. "We definitely created more chances as the game went on. I'm happy to start 1-0 (in the OVC). That's for sure."

SIUE (4-3-1, 1-0) took a season-high 18 shots Sunday. Michelle Auer led the way with five. Meagan Iffrig added four.

"We create a lot of chances," Burton added. "The only thing you can do is to keep working. We're playing well. We're creating chances."

Eastern Illinois (2-8, 0-1) managed 11 shots of its own, but the SIUE defense refused to bend. Cougar goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley made six saves to secure her fourth shutout of the season.

"We took a simple approach and when we had a chance to clear we did it," Burton said.

The Cougars now head on the road for the first time in the OVC season. SIUE takes on Tennessee Tech Friday afternoon before traveling to Jacksonville State for a Sunday matchup.

"We look forward to what we prefer to call a bonding trip -- our longest trip of the season," Burton said. "We're looking forward to getting out on the road and seeing what we can do."