Grand Rapids, Mich. — Much like the season before, the Illinois Tech women's soccer season came down to a 2nd round NCAA overtime game in their match against host Calvin University Saturday afternoon at Zuidema Field. But unlike last season, which ended in a penalty kick victory for the Scarlet Hawks, the Knights skipped the pk dramatics, scoring on a blast of a goal in the sixth minute of the first overtime for a 2-1 victory.
Illinois Tech's highly successful season comes to a close, finishing with a record of 20-2-1 overall. Calvin improves to 16-4-0 overall record and advances to the round of 16.
For the Scarlet Hawks, a season with high post-season expectations came to an abrupt end with the overtime goal against. But Head Coach
Roshane Ellison, his coaching staff and his squad can take solace in the fact they recorded the highest number of wins in a season in program history with 20. In addition, the Hawks have owned conference play in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, currently holding a 25-game winning streak in NACC play.
Still, each season a team has to start anew, and with several key players graduating or out of eligibility, next year's Scarlet Hawk team will have to rely on the growth and development of the returners, along with another influx of new recruits. But for now, the current squad will have let the sting of the finality of the season ending subside before they can fully appreciate what they accomplished this season.
How It Happened
The first half began with Illinois Tech establishing early pressure, as
Kayla Smith's shot struck the right woodwork in the 5th minute. Illinois Tech continued to challenge the Knights' defense, with
Allison Murray's attempt in the 7th minute requiring a save from Calvin's goalkeeper, Kalex Dodge.
The momentum shifted when Smith delivered a crucial assist to
Kelly Hitchcock, who found the net in the 30th minute, putting the Scarlet Hawks ahead. Despite continued offensive efforts from both teams, including another save by Dodge in the 39th minute, Illinois Tech maintained their lead. The half concluded with the Scarlet Hawks holding a 1-0 advantage.
The second half saw Illinois Tech actively pressuring the Knights' defense, with several attempts to extend the lead.
Kayla Hampton made a crucial save early in the period, stopping a shot by Calvin's CeCe McCarthy. Illinois Tech's offensive efforts were highlighted by shots from
Hannah Ramos, Smith, and
Tvesa Vathulya, all of which were saved by Dodge. Despite these efforts, the Knights managed to equalize in the 56th minute with a goal from Ellery Boeving, assisted by Mikaela Waroway.
Illinois Tech continued to apply pressure with multiple shots, including attempts by
Taylor Hernandez and Hitchcock, but none found the back of the net. The defense held strong, with Hampton making another key save to maintain the level score. The half ended with the score tied at 1-1, reflecting a balanced contest as both teams sought the decisive goal.
The overtime period opened with the Scarlet Hawks immediately applying pressure, highlighted by a corner kick at the 90:29 mark.
Grace Yager attempted to capitalize on the opportunity with a shot at 91:00, keeping Calvin's defense on alert. Despite the early momentum from Illinois Tech, the Knights responded effectively.
Waroway scored the decisive goal at 95:08 for the Knights. Similar to the Hitchcock goal for the Scarlet Hawks in their 1-0 first-round victory over Grove City, Waroway blasted a shot from the top of the box that sailed high and past the outstretched hands of Hampton, giving Calvin the 2-1 overtime victory, and punching their ticket to the round of 16 next weekend.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Kelly Hitchcock
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- one goal
- three shots
- one shot on goal
Kayla Smith
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- one assist
- five shots
- three shots on goal
Kayla Hampton
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- three saves
- 95:08 minutes played
Calvin Top Performers
Kalex Dodge
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- 9 saves
Ellery Boeving
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- 1 goal
- 1 shot on goal
Mikaela Waroway
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- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 2 shots on goal
Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech falls to 0-3-1 lifetime versus Calvin.
- The Scarlet Hawks outshot the Knights 20-8.
