Box Score EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE women's soccer made history by clinching the co-regular season conference title despite the 2-1 loss to Southeast Missouri.
Southeast Missouri and SIUE split the title with even 8-2 conference records. The Redhawks will host the Ohio Valley Conference tournament after their win tonight.
"What we did is something to be proud of, and I'm sure it hasn't sunk in yet because it's tough to lose," said Head Coach Derek Burton.
The Redhawks struck first in 25th minute with a goal from Natasha Minor that was unanswered by the Cougars in the first half.
"You have to take opportunities when they're given and we didn't put chances away," said Burton.
The equalizer from sophomore Kayla Delgado came in the 75th minute. A through ball from Samantha Jones allowed Delgado to touch the ball in to the far right post just past the goalkeeper. The goal was Delgado's fourth this season.
With less than six minutes remaining in the game, a free kick from Christina Rohde was blocked by SIUE goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley. The ball was chased down by Torey Byrd, who netted the ball for the game-winning goal.
"It's tough to lose when you invest a lot in it," said Burton. "It's hurts more, but that's sports. They can stay disappointed now, and then it's time to recover and turn our attention to our matchup on Friday."
SIUE outshot the Redhawks 14-4.
The Cougars honored their three seniors, Michelle Auer, Jones, and Brianna Schmitt, before the game.
"This isn't their last game and they have more to accomplish," said Burton. "Michelle and Sam have put their heart and soul into this program for four years. Brianna came in and did really well for us in her one year stint."
The Cougars move on into post-season play as the No. 2 seed in the OVC tournament, held at Southeast Missouri. They play the winner of Morehead State and Murray State on Friday at 4 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6 – FIRST ROUND
Game 1 - #3 Murray State vs. #6 Morehead State – 4 p.m.
Game 2 - #4 UT Martin vs. #5 Jacksonville State – 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – SEMIFINALS
Game 3 - #2 SIUE vs. Game 1 winner – 4 p.m.
Game 4 - #1 Southeast Missouri vs. Game 2 winner – 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 – CHAMPIONSHIP
Game 5 – Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner – 1 p.m.
