The Illinois State soccer team defeated Evansville, 3-0, at Adelaide Street Field on Sunday afternoon, to improve to 8-4 on the season and 2-0 in Missouri Valley Conference play. Evansville dropped to 1-8-2 (0-1-1). Senior Kate Del Fava recorded two goals and an assist in the victory with senior Brittany Paganucci adding a goal of her own. Junior Natalie Vaughn-Low was credited with assists on both of Del Fava's goals.
With the win, the Redbirds increase their current win streak to six matches.
"This has been an exciting start for our program," said head coach Brad Silvey. "You could say it's been somewhat of a dream start - going 2-0 in the Valley with both wins being multi-goal games and shutouts. I think the important thing here moving forward is that we continue to stay locked in and committed to both the process and our game plans."
Del Fava proved why she is consistently ranking in the top-3 nationally in goals scored, scoring goals in the 23rd and 70th minutes. She now improves to a MVC-leading 13 goals and three assists on the season, after posting her fifth multi-goal game of the year.
Vaughn-Low, who picked up assists on both of Del Fava's goals, has now tallied at least one point in all six games she has appeared in this season.
Sealing the deal for the Redbirds was Paganucci, who found the back of the net in the 89th minute on a pass from Del Fava. It was the senior's second goal of the season and third of her career.
Senior goalkeeper Haley Smith had six saves in goal for Illinois State off of 13 shots faced. As a team, the Redbirds outshot Evansville, 16-13, and 10-6 in shots on goal en route to posting their fifth shutout of the season.
"Senior Day is a special occasion for our team and I'm proud of how our group contributed and put in the effort in today's match," said Silvey. "They are invested and bought in this season, and that really gives us something to play for."
UP NEXT:
The Redbirds take a break from their conference schedule to take on IUPUI in Indianapolis on Tuesday afternoon. Kickoff with the Jaguars is set for 3 p.m.
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