MACOMB, Ill.- Sophomore goalkeeper Meghan Tyk recorded her second shutout in three games as the Western Illinois women's soccer team defeated Eastern Illinois, 2-0, at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.

"Tyk has done a great job and we're back to having our goals against average back down to what it should be," said Western Illinois head coach Tony Guinn. "She made some big saves to preserve the shutout. Her presence was there and people know her reputation which really helps her."

After playing to a scoreless tie in the first half, the Westerwinds (3-2-2) got on the board first in the 51st minute. Junior Keeley Murray (Bettendorf, Iowa/Bettendorf) sent a throw-in to the direction of sophomore Kelsey Pillsbury (Chatham, Ill./Glenwood). Pillsbury sent a cross from the right side of the field where freshman Laura Lins (Racine, Wis./William Horlick) headed into the back of the net. Lins' first goal of her collegiate career put Western up 1-0.

"The feeling is incredible as a freshman," said Lins. "I was in a funk in the beginning of the season because it was a little nerve-racking being out on the field with all of the older players. It was a perfect cross from Pillsbury and I got a head on it."

"The newcomers really play hard," stated Guinn. "It was good to see Laura get her first goal. She's a kid from my hometown so it's a good feeling to see her score."

Sophomore Jennifer Green (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) gave the Westerwinds an insurance goal against the Panthers (0-8-1) in the 61st minute of the game. Green received a pass from senior Ashley Hoch (Brookfield, Wis./Central) and beat Eastern Illinois goalkeeper Jenny Williams. It was Green's first goal of the season and Hoch's fourth assist.

Tyk, and the rest of the Western defense, made the two goals more than enough as Tyk made three saves in the game and the Westerwinds defense allowed Eastern Illinois to take just seven shots in the game.

"Our defense is so strong," Tyk stated. "We lost Lainey Bruhn in the first game but everyone else has really stepped it up a notch. It's awesome to get a shutout at home."

Western begins a four-match road trip with its conference opener against Southern Utah, Thursday, Sep. 25, at 5 p.m. at the Thunderbird Soccer Pitch.