EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Austin Peay improved to 4-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play, defeating SIUE women's basketball 73-54 at First Community Arena.

SIUE Head Coach Paula Buscher said the Cougars got off to a great start against the Governors, now 6-2 overall.

The Cougars held an 11-7 lead in the first five minutes of play after Madison Hackstadt hit a three-pointer and Mikia Keith added a bucket with 5:01 to play in the first period.

Austin Peay employed its full court pressure. The Cougars broke it, Buscher noted, and turned it into some good shots that just didn't fall.

"That turned into offensive transition for them," she added. Austin Peay outrebounded SIUE 50-32.

With nine players available, the Cougars were led in scoring with nine points and seven assists from first-time starter Sara Majorosova. Kelsie Williams posted nine points off the bench. Tori Handley added seven points.

"We were excited to play the game. We battled for a while," said Buscher.

Austin Peay's Maggie Knowles led all scorers with 17 points. Tahanee Bennell and Nina De Leon Negon added 13 and 11, respectively off the bench.

"Rebounding dropped off a little," said Buscher. "Our turnovers increased a little bit. Those things can kind of wear on you."

SIUE, 3-4 overall and 0-2 in the OVC, returns to play Saturday with a 1 p.m. contest against Murray State at First Community Arena.

"I think this is a great growth step for us today," said Buscher.