EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern improved to 2-1 Thursday by collecting a victory in its home opener over SIUE women's soccer.

The Wildcats bested the Cougars 5-0 at Martin Field in what also was the first regular season road contest for SIUE.

"Every game is an opportunity to learn about where we are and a chance to grow," said SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton. "If we're going to develop into who we want to be, this will have been a great opportunity."

Ella Hase scored the opening goal of the game for the Wildcats at 16:33 followed by back-to-back first half goals from Josie Aulicino. Meg Boade and Ingrid Falls added second-half scores for the Wildcats.

"Northwestern was dialed in, and we were too passive in terms of what will lead to results for us," said Burton. "So that's where we'll look to take our next step forward: consistent application of the principles that make us a tough team to beat. The right mindset will get us there."

SIUE, 1-2, finished with four shots against Northwestern. Taylor Dolt led the way with two shots. Matea Diekema and Ashlyn Nichols accounted for the other two.

The Cougars return to Korte Stadium Sunday for a nonconference contest against Loyola Chicago. Match time is 2 p.m.