Lisle, Ill. — Leyna Yonehara scored 46 seconds into the match, one of five different Scarlet Hawk goal scorers, as Illinois Tech women's soccer dominated from start to finish in their 5-0 conference victory at Benedictine.

Illinois Tech improved to 9-0-1 overall and to 5-0-0 in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference(NACC) play. The Eagles fell to 1-3-0 in conference and to 1-9-0 overall.

Illinois Institute of Technology (9-0-1, 5-0-0) secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Benedictine University (1-9-0, 1-3-0) at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex. 

Illinois Tech scored three goals in the first half, maintaining a strong offensive presence with 19 total shots on goal.

The first half began with the Scarlet Hawks taking control early against the Eagles. Leyna Yonehara opened the scoring for Illinois Tech just 46 seconds into the match, setting an assertive tone. Grace Yager then extended the lead with another goal in the 12th minute, positioning Illinois Tech firmly in control.

Despite a missed penalty kick opportunity by Kelly Hitchcock, Illinois Tech maintained offensive pressure throughout the half. Taylor Hernandez capitalized in the 40th minute with a goal, securing a commanding 3-0 lead for the Scarlet Hawks at the end of the first half.

The second half began with Illinois Tech quickly extending their lead. Kayla Smith found the back of the net in the 47th minute, pushing the score to 4-0. Illinois Tech maintained pressure with several attempts on goal, including multiple shots from Hernandez and a series of corner kicks, but Benedictine's defense held firm.

As play continued, Illinois Tech's dominance was underscored by Kaitlyn Walsh's goal in the 71st minute, increasing the lead to 5-0. Despite numerous offensive efforts, including a shot by Joanne Porter and a corner attempt by Avery Sealey, the Scarlet Hawks were unable to further widen the margin. The half concluded with Illinois Tech confidently holding their 5-0 advantage.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Kayla Smith  
-----------------  
- one goal  
- four shots  
- three shots on goal  

Leyna Yonehara  
-----------------  
- one goal  
- two shots  
- one game-winning goal  

Taylor Hernandez  
-----------------  
- one goal  
- four shots  
- two shots on goal  

Kaitlyn Walsh  
-----------------  
- one goal  
- one shot  
- one shot on goal  

Grace Yager  
-----------------  
- one goal  
- one shot  
- one shot on goal  

Benedictine Top Performers

Ximena Delgado  
----------------------  
- 4 saves  

Marissa Amador  
----------------------  
- 4 saves  

Natalia Ochab  
----------------------  
- 1 shot on goal  

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech improved to 7-2-1 lifetime against Benedictine, and they have won the last six contests.
- Illinois Tech has not allowed a goal in conference play, extending their conference shutout streak to five consecutive matches. The Scarlet Hawks have only allowed two goals all season, while scoring 30.

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks will return home this Saturday, October 4th to face conference foe Marian University at 1:00 p.m. for a Senior Day celebration at Stuart Field.