CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri will begin the Ohio Valley Conference portion of its schedule with a pair of matches at home this weekend. The Redhawks and SIUE kick off league play at 7 p.m. Friday evening. Southeast will then play host to Eastern Illinois at 1 p.m. on Sunday. 

Both matches can be viewed for free on the OVC Digital Network. 

The Redhawks and SIUE shared the 2014 OVC title a season ago. The Redhawks and Cougars faced off in the regular season finale to determine who would claim the league title. Southeast defeated SIUE, 2-1, to force a share of the crown. SIUE went on to roll through the OVC Tournament and claim a berth in an NCAA Regional. SIUE was picked to win the OVC this season while the Redhawks were picked just three points behind in second place. 

Southeast opened OVC play last year on the road against Eastern Illinois. The Redhawks posted a season-high four goals in the 4-0 shutout of the Panthers. Natasha Minor had two goals and an assist in the match. 

Upcoming Events & Promotions
Friday, Sept. 25 - SIUE
Special Bleacher Seating
There will be special bleacher seating available behind the West goal for Friday's match for those who wish to take in a new view of Redhawks soccer. 
Dual Admission
Fans who attend Friday's soccer match at Houck Stadium will also receive admission to Friday's 6:30 p.m. volleyball match inside Houck Field House. 
Mid-America Transplant Table
Mid-America Transplant Services will have a table at both matches for those who wish to learn more about becoming an organ donor. Fans can also take the opportunity to sign up for the organ donor registry. 

Let's Review
The Redhawks will take a three-match winning streak into conference play. The Redhawks are outscoring their opponents 8-3 in their last three matches including shutouts of Arkansas State and Union. The Redhawks downed Arkansas State, 1-0, at home Friday. Jennifer Antonacci scored the game-winning goal in the 51st minute. Abby Klintworth had a career day at Union on Sunday. Klintworth scored both goals in the 2-0 victory and had career-highs in goals, shots, shots on goal, and points. 

NSCAA Team Academic Award
The National Soccer Coaches Association of America announced that Southeast Missouri women's soccer posted the fifth best team GPA among all Division I teams in 2014-15. The Redhawks' GPA was also the seventh highest among all NCAA women's programs. Southeast registered a cumulative team GPA of 3.69 for the 2014-15 academic year. This is the sixth-straight year the Redhawks have earned Team Academic recognition (2010-15).

Scouting the Opponents
SIUE Cougars
SIUE defeated Missouri State, 1-0, in its only match last week. Sophomore Ashlyn Walter scored the game-winning goal versus the Bears. It was her second goal of the season. Senior goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley recorded her 26th career shutout and fifth of the season as she made five saves in the win.
Eastern Illinois Panthers
Eastern Illinois split a pair of matches last week falling to UMKC, 1-0, in overtime and defeating Chicago State, 4-1. Senior Hannah Miller scored two goals against Chicago State. It marks the second straight year she has scored a pair of goals versus CSU. Junior defender Emily Wolf played 182 minutes last week and helped limit the opposition to just one goal.

Looking Ahead
Southeast will hit the road for a three-game conference road swing beginning with Austin Peay on Oct. 2. The Redhawks take on Murray State on Oct. 4 and Eastern Kentucky Oct. 9.