DEKALB, Ill. – Stephanie Skowneski connected on her second goal of the weekend and Anina Cicerone added a late goal as the Western Michigan women's soccer team defeated South Dakota State 2-0 to win the NIU Tournament on Sunday afternoon.

Skowneski gave the Broncos a 1-0 lead after knocking in a rebound on a shot by Caitlin Henderson in the 27th minute. Henderson's service off a corner kick landed in front of Cicerone and the junior midfielder attempted to knee the ball in but it bounced up and off the cross bar and landed at the feet of Skowneski, who put it in for her second goal of the season.

Cicerone put the nail in the coffin for WMU in the 69th minute after a long buildup of possession. Skowneski found her just outside the box from 20 yards out on a one-timer to the top corner of the net. Skowneski finished the weekend with two goals and two assists, while the defense posted two shutouts.

“The first 10 minutes they pressed us hard and we weren't handling it as well as we should have,” said head coach Suzie Grech. “Once we settled in we were able to do what we wanted and handled their opportunities well defensively.”

Western Michigan goalkeeper Michelle Watson only needed to make two saves as the Bronco defense held the Jackrabbits to just six total shots on the day.

“Getting two shutouts and scoring five goals this weekend was huge,” added Grech. “This weekend shows the girls that they have something special this year. We were able to prove it in training this week and then against some good competition this weekend. Going into next weekend against two really good teams in Indiana and Tulsa, this really builds our confidence.”

Skowneski, Cicerone, Henderson and junior centerback Kelsey Baskins were named to the All-Tournament team.

WMU continues its road swing as they head to Notre Dame for another tournament that pits them against Indiana on Friday and Tulsa on Sunday.