CHICAGO, Ill. – SIUE completed its first exhibition game Thursday with a 0-0 tie against the Loyola Ramblers.

The Cougars finished the game outshooting the Ramblers 11-5, and 3-1 in shots on goal. Junior Cassidy Sherman, junior Katye Skrivan, and freshmen Sydney Moore each recorded a shot on goal.

"We started with eight new players, and everyone had moments," said SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton. "It was encouraging to see them work together and watch them play against someone besides each other."

Junior goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley was one of six players to record 90 minutes of playing time.

"Jen was super solid and exactly what we expected coming from a returning upperclassmen," said Burton. "She handled any situation at her feet really solidly and communicated well with the backline." Pelley had one save on the day.

Despite not scoring a goal, Burton was not disappointed in his team's effort.

 "This is a really positive step and a really good first game for us as a group," said Burton. We saw a lot of good stuff which started with effort and competitiveness. We can always build and clean things up when we get back to the practice field."

The Cougars play their last exhibition game Saturday against Western Illinois at 1 p.m.