GREENVILLE, N.C. (SMU) – The No. 17 SMU women's soccer team defeated ECU, 2-0, Thursday night. The Mustangs (7-1-0, 1-0-0 American Athletic Conference) extended their win streak to six matches, the longest since an 11-match win streak in 2006.

Courtney Sebazco scored the first goal of the match and her team-high fourth of the season in the 21st minute. Lindsey Whitmore took the pass from Jasmine Vilgrain at the top right corner of the 18-yard box. Whitmore served a pass across the box and right to the head of Sebazco, who sent it off the ground and into the top right corner of the goal.

"She [Sebazco] has been really good all year. She covers so much ground and does so much for the team on both sides of the ball. She is such an extremely valuable player on our team," said SMU head coach Chris Petrucelli.

Tatum Sutherland made eight saves on 20 shots for her fourth win, and the redshirt sophomore has played in five of SMU's six shutouts. She has 32 saves on the season without allowing a goal. Sutherland was again helped by the woodwork, with ECU putting two shots against the frame.

The SMU back line was forced to defend against 15 of ECU's 20 shots in the second half, but the group was up to the task.

"We couldn't ask for anything else from our defense. They've been tough, resilient and have made big plays when we needed them," explained Petrucelli. "The performance over last several games has been fantastic."

ECU (4-7-0, 0-2-0 The American) increased the attacking pressure after Whitmore added a goal of her own in the 49th minute. Katina Tsapos recorded her first point of the season after sprinting down the right side of the box before sending the ball across the face of the goal. Balata attempted to shoot near the penalty spot, but was well defended and unable to connect. Whitmore was wide open and put the ball just inside the left post of a mostly empty net.

"It was so satisfying to watch. I was really impressed with her [Tsapos] on the goal. She probably ran 70 yards to get in position, and it's really nice to see her get on the scoresheet," Petrucelli exclaimed.

The victory to start American Athletic Conference play was the first for SMU in Greenville, N.C., since a 2-0 win on Oct. 23, 2005, and just the third road win for the Mustangs in the series (3-3-1). SMU improved to 9-6-3 all-time against the Pirates.

"A win on the road in the league is difficult to do. It gives you a great spring board forward in a tough league," stated Petrucelli.

The Mustangs return home Thursday to face UCF at 7 p.m. at the Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium.