The Southern Illinois women’s soccer team opened their season with a heart-breaking loss against the University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks 2-0.

It took both teams a few minutes to get into a groove for their first game of the year, but they eased into the game as it continued.

Saluki’s senior midfielder Hailey Blanchard unfortunately suffered a minor injury with 0:58 left in the first half, but she was able to recover and walk it off of the field. She made a return later in the game.

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Both teams’ defenses were stifling in the first half, making the halftime score 0-0. The Skyhawks were controlling the game up to that point, keeping the ball on the Salukis half, and not allowing the Salukis to get a single shot.

Both teams had great chances called back due to offsides.

The Skyhawks opened the game with the first goal of the night. This goal was scored by Freshman Forward Makayla Robinson after an amazing pass by Freshman Midfielder Izzy Patterson with 31:46 minutes left in the second half.

The Skyhawks then continued to control the game throughout the second half, and scored another goal with 14:56 left in the game.

This goal was scored by Senior Forward Jill Hildreth, who dribbled around the SIU defense and tapped it in for the goal.

With just under 3 minutes left in the game, the Salukis fell just short of scoring a goal.

The Salukis hope to bounce back in Florence, Alabama on Sunday. They play North Alabama University at 1 PM.

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Sports Reporter Cole Daily can be reached at [email protected]

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