The UNI women’s soccer team traveled to Carbondale, Ill. to take on Southern Illinois this past weekend. Southern Illinois was winless on the season at 0-2-3 before taking on the Panthers, while UNI was 1-2-2 coming into this weekend. UNI was looking to get to .500 on the season by getting their second straight win following their victory against Missouri State.

The scoring started for UNI in the 15th minute on a goal from Ashley Harrington, assisted by Shelby Unruh. They would score again about 90 seconds later in the 16th minute following a goal from Allison Whitaker to go up 2-0. Sophia Conant added a third goal for UNI in the 33rd minute, extending their lead to 3-0, still in the first half.

The Panthers throughout the game had goals from five separate players on the day. UNI dominated shooting with taking 16 shots, 13 on goal, while Southern Illinois only took three total shots in the game, only one of which was on goal. Southern Illinois allowed five goals, which was the most they have given up in any game so far this season. For the Panthers, this is their fourth shutout on the season which is stemmed from their great defense. UNI only had one save on the day, which reflects how the defense rarely let Southern Illinois get close to the goal.

The win moves the Panther women to 2-2-2 overall and 2-2-1 in Missouri Valley Conference play. The next match for UNI is at Illinois State Thursday, March 25 at 4 p.m. The Redbirds are 2-5 on the season, and the Panthers are looking to keep their win streak alive and get to three straight wins. After they head to Illinois State, they will have a match at home against Valparasio on Sunday, March 28 at 1 p.m.