MACOMB, Ill. – Behind a career day from Payton Brown and a dominant complete game from Libby Spaulding, Western Illinois secured a 2-0 win over SIUE on Saturday afternoon at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium.

Brown was nearly unstoppable at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored to lead the Leatherneck offense. Ruby Tarr added a 2-for-3 performance, including a double and an RBI, while Megan Leonard chipped in with three hits of her own from the nine-spot in the lineup.

Western Illinois wasted no time putting pressure on SIUE, scoring a run in the first inning after Brown singled and eventually came around to score. Tarr's RBI double in the fifth inning provided a valuable insurance run.

Spaulding was in command from the start in the circle. The freshman tossed her first career complete-game shutout, allowing just six hits while striking out four without issuing a walk. She improved her record to 3-5 on the year. 

Defensively, the Leathernecks were flawless with zero errors and clean execution across all seven innings. Maria Luna led the team with seven putouts at first base, while Malia Robertson added two putouts and an assist in center.

Despite stranding 11 runners on base, WIU's 10-hit attack proved enough in the low-scoring contest. SIUE was held hitless with runners in scoring position and left five runners stranded. The win marked one of Western Illinois' most complete efforts of the season as they handed SIUE just its fifth conference loss.

With the win, Western Illinois moves into eighth place in the Ohio Valley Conference standings, overtaking UT Martin. The Leathernecks will look to keep the momentum going in their next OVC series at Morehead State University on April 26-27th. 

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