Box Score EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE women's soccer won its fourth straight conference game 1-0 against Belmont.
Junior goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley recorded her 19th career shutout in the win, moving her to second place all-time at SIUE.
"You always have to have some sort of backbone that you know you can rely on," said Head Coach Derek Burton. "We know that we can rely on Jen day in and day out. She was solid today and made a couple really good plays."
The Cougars saw a scoreless first half, in which each team recorded five shots.
"We were really reactive instead of proactive," said Burton.
A goal in the 51st minute by freshman Emily Grahl put the Cougars ahead. Grahl faked a pass before netting the ball to the opposite post from 20 yards out. The goal was assisted by Kayla Delgado and was Grahl's third goal on the year.
Pelley made all five of her saves in the second half to seal the victory for the Cougars. Each team recorded 13 shots on the game.
The Cougars improve to 7-4-1 and a perfect 4-0 in conference, the best start the team has seen since joining the Ohio Valley Conference.
"Our coaching staff knew that we could be strong in the conference, but with 11 new players, you never really know what to expect," said Burton. "They are taking in what we're telling them. We're prepared, and that makes a big difference."
The Cougars return home on Sunday to face Austin Peay at 1 p.m.
