CARY, N.C.  -  Despite scoring the first goal of the match and the first NCAA Tournament goal in program's Division I era, SIUE women's soccer dropped a 3-1 decision to 13th-ranked Virginia in Wednesday night's NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship First Round match.

"I'm proud of the effort tonight," said SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton following the match. "Virginia have a talented team and were a tall order for us."

The Cougars struck first, as Maria Haro took a pass from Megan Keeven in the 11th minute to give SIUE the early 1-0 lead. The Red & White would hold that lead until the 41st minute, as Virginia netted their first goal of the contest to level the match heading into the halftime break. 

"To get on the board first and early was a great feeling and a lift for the players. But we knew it was going to take a great 90 minutes and maybe a break or two to go our way. Just didn't happen."

The SIUE attack, which was one of the most potent in college soccer this season, could not get rolling in the second half, as Virginia tacked on a penalty kick goal in the 57th minute and a third goal in the 69th minute to give the Cavaliers the 3-1 win.

Taylor Spiller recorded five saves on the day off 25 UVA shots, helped by an effective backline led by Myah Diekema, Megan Keeven, Lydia Harris, and Emma Ehrsam. Angel Ikeda joined Haro as the two Cougars who registered shots in Wednesday's contest.

"I've not been more proud of a group than this for everything they've navigated and dealt with for a year plus, just to get to this point," added Burton. "And they aren't satisfied. We're all going to be ready to get to work after some time off, to do our best to get back to this point and make SIUE proud."

The Cougars close out the 2020-21 season with a record of 8-3-2, having won the program's third Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title and appearing in the NCAA Tournament for an eighth time overall and third in the Division I era.

"Special thanks to two amazing seniors who gave absolutely everything to this program and their teammates. We'll miss them tremendously and they can certainly be proud of the legacy they're leaving at SIUE."