West Central Reporter

The Leathernecks played their inaugural conference match as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference on Thursday, facing the Redhawks of Southeastern Missouri State. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with neither team able to score.

During the first 25 minutes, there was limited action from both teams. SEMO had two corner kicks within ten minutes but could not capitalize on them. Freshman Alanna Pennington, who has previously scored twice in one game this season, took two shots in the 26th and 30th minutes that were saved by the SEMO goalkeeper. Senior defender Sarah De Gannes made significant contributions in the first half with a header that advanced play for Western Illinois and a crucial tackle that prevented a goal opportunity.

In the second half, SEMO increased their offensive efforts, taking eleven shots in total. However, Leatherneck goalkeeper Isabel Navas Rodriguez delivered an impressive performance with six saves in this period alone to maintain a clean sheet. Her total of seven saves was just one less than her season high achieved against Loyola Chicago. This result earned Western Illinois their first point of the Ohio Valley Conference season.

SEMO now holds a record of four wins, two losses, and two ties (4-2-2), while Western Illinois stands at two wins, four losses, and two ties (2-4-2). Western will continue their OVC campaign by traveling to Morehead State on Sunday to face the Eagles.