SIUE Women’s Soccer Wins Second Consecutive OVC Championship
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women’s soccer is headed to the NCAA Tournament after winning its second consecutive Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championship on Sunday, Nov. 7 against top-seeded UT Martin (UTM).
Just nine months ago, SIUE women’s soccer hoisted the program’s first conference tournament title since 2016. On Sunday, the Cougars were determined to lift the trophy once again. They accomplished that goal in exhilarating fashion, taking down the Skyhawks in a 1-0 overtime thriller.
The match pitted the Cougars, regarded as the OVC’s most productive offensive unit, and UT Martin, widely regarded as the OVC’s most formidable defensive side. The fixture lived up to the hype, as both squads played 90 minutes of ultra-competitive soccer that saw countless near-goals, picture-perfect passes, and outstanding saves. The two teams traded possession and shots for the full 90 minutes, forcing the match to enter extra time. Less than two minutes into the first overtime period, an incredible ball from Myah Diekema put MacKenzie Litzsinger in prime position to score. Confidently, Litzsinger slotted the ball past the UTM keeper and gave the Cougars their second consecutive OVC crown.
“This win was extremely exciting,” said Head Coach Derek Burton in a post-game interview. “To have been able to get a goal in overtime was satisfying. If we create chances, we have enough quality within our team for someone to put one in the back of the net, and thankfully, that happened today. I’m delighted for our players. They’ve worked hard and are a great group of young women.”
The Cougars didn’t have to wait long to find out their opponent in the 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship. During the selection show held at 3:30 p.m. CST Monday, Nov. 8 on NCAA.com, they learned they’ll take on third-seeded Notre Dame as their opening round opponent.
The last time the Cougars and Fighting Irish faced off was in the First Round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament, when the Red & White battled then-#11 Notre Dame to a scoreless draw before earning a 5-4 penalty kick victory to claim SIUE’s first NCAA Tournament win in the Division I era.
The Cougars are scheduled to kick off against the Fighting Irish on Sunday, Nov. 14 at Alumni Stadium in Notre Dame, Ind.
For more information, visit SIUECougars.com.
Photos: SIUE Cougars celebrate taking down the UT Martin Skyhawks in a 1-0 overtime thriller.
