EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.  -  MacKenzie Litzsinger netted her fifth goal of the season and assisted on a goal from Angel Ikeda to help SIUE women's soccer secure a 2-0 victory over UT Martin on Friday evening.

"It took us a little while to match the intensity that UT Martin had," said SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton following the match. "But, we grew into the game and thankfully it was still 0-0 at that time. We elevated our play as we went and really started to do a little bit more of what we wanted to do, as opposed to reacting to what they wanted to do. We're successful when we do that."

Following a slow opening half that saw the Cougars head into the break tied 0-0, SIUE started the second half determined to open up the match - that's exactly what they did, as reigning Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week MacKenzie Litzsinger netted a quality goal in the 48th minute to put the Red & White up 1-0. Angel Ikeda doubled the Cougar lead in the 64th minute, taking passes from Litzsinger and Lily Schnieders to score her first on the season.

"I would not be able to score any goals honestly without my whole entire team," said Litzsinger. "Everytime I score a goal, I get more excited for the person I get it from than scoring myself. I was so excited that Angel [Ikeda] scored a goal, so I just can't thank my team enough."

Taylor Spiller kept her second consecutive clean sheet, as the Cougar defense allowed the visiting Skyhawks to notch just one shot on goal.

"Our defense has been huge," said SIUE goalkeeper Taylor Spiller following her second consecutive clean sheet. "They've been stepping hard to balls, covering for each other, and covering for me. It's been a team defensive effort, but our backline has been huge as well."

The Cougars, who improve to 4-0-0 on the season, will remain at Korte Stadium for a Friday night fixture against Morehead State.