Chicago, Ill. — Illinois Tech women's soccer took a step up in weight class when they traveled to Southside neighbor UChicago on Monday afternoon for a non-conference match with the 7th-ranked Maroons at the Stagg Grass Field. Despite having good starts in both halves, the Scarlet Hawks could not convert their early chances, and the Maroons gained control of the match and pulled away for a 5-1 victory. The Hawks suffered their first loss of the season, and fell to 10-1-1 overall. The Maroons improved to 10-0-1.

The first half began with the Scarlet Hawks applying early pressure, earning multiple corner kicks in the opening minutes and registering a shot on goal by Kayla Thomas. Goalkeeper Kayla Hampton made a crucial save against a close-range attempt by Kamiryn Braxton Grimes to maintain a scoreless start for Illinois Tech. Despite the offensive efforts, the Maroons took the lead in the 10th minute with a goal from Lucy Harrison-Caldwell, assisted by Grimes. Illinois Tech continued to press forward, with shots from Kayla Smith and Gabriella Baltes, but UChicago's defense held firm. The half concluded with Illinois Tech trailing 1-0, as they looked to regroup for the second half.

The second half began with Illinois Tech attempting to shift the momentum with an early corner kick and a shot by Grace Yager that was saved. However, UChicago extended their lead with a goal by Kaitlyn Gomez in the 61st minute. Illinois Tech continued to press forward, earning another corner but was caught offside soon after. In the latter stages, UChicago added to their advantage with a goal from Avery Gallucci. Illinois Tech responded quickly with a goal from Kelly Hitchcock, assisted by Smith, narrowing the deficit to 3-1. Yet, UChicago maintained their attacking pressure, scoring twice more, with goals by Indira Naylor and Bella Ballard, closing the half with a 5-1 lead over the Scarlet Hawks.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Kelly Hitchcock  
----------------------  
- one goal  
- one shot  
- one shot on goal  

Kayla Smith  
----------------------  
- one assist  
- two shots  
- one shot on goal  

Gabriella Baltes 
----------------------  
- 1 shot
- 1 shot on goal  
- 90 minutes played

UChicago Top Performers  

Sophia Sasaki  
----------------------  
- 3 saves  
- 90 minutes played  

Kamiryn Braxton Grimes  
----------------------  
- 2 shots, 1 on goal  
- 1 assist  

Lucy Harrison-Caldwell  
----------------------  
- 2 shots, 1 on goal  
- 1 goal  

Kaitlyn Gomez  
----------------------  
- 1 shot on goal  
- 1 goal  
- 1 game-winning goal  

Avery Gallucci  
----------------------  
- 2 shots, 1 on goal  
- 1 goal  

Game Notes:  
- Illinois Tech fell to 1-6-1 lifetime versus UChicago.

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks won't have time to dwell on their first loss of the season, as they return to Stuart Field this Wednesday for a conference match against Lakeland University at 7 p.m.