Chicago, Ill. — Illinois Tech women's soccer opened conference post-season play Sunday afternoon with a matchup against a pesky eighth-seeded Wisconsin Lutheran team that held the Scarlet Hawks to two goals in their regular season meeting in Milwaukee. The number one seeded Scarlet Hawks quickly established control of the game on this day, however, with Hannah Ramos scoring 1:22 into the match as part of a three-goal outburst in the first five minutes of the opening half that secured a decisive 5-1 victory. The Hawks improved to 17-1-1, and will host Dominican University on Wednesday night at Stuart Field. The Warriors finished their season 7-7-3 overall.

The game began with the Scarlet Hawks establishing control early, as Hannah Ramos scored with an assist from Kelly Hitchcock just 1:22 into the match. Shortly after, Kayla Smith doubled the lead with another Hitchcock-assisted goal at 1:58. Illinois Tech continued their offensive push, with Hitchcock finding the back of the net again at the 5-minute mark, assisted by Tvesa Vathulya, making it 3-0.

Illinois Tech maintained pressure throughout the first half, with multiple shots on target and corner kick opportunities. The team extended their lead further when Kelly Hitchcock scored her second goal of the half in the 24th minute, assisted by Leyna Yonehara. Illinois Tech closed the half with a commanding 4-0 lead over the Warriors.

The second half began with Illinois Tech maintaining pressure, creating numerous opportunities on goal. Kelly Hitchcock fired an early shot that was saved, and a series of attempts followed, including shots by Leyna Yonehara and Tvesa Vathulya. Illinois Tech dominated possession, taking multiple corner kicks and continuously testing the Warriors' goalkeeper.

In the 78th minute, Avery Sealey capitalized on a pass from Taylor Hernandez to extend Illinois Tech's lead. Despite several more efforts, including another shot by Sealey, the team concluded the half with a steady performance. The Warriors managed to find the net in the final minute, but Illinois Tech ended the game with a decisive 5-1 victory.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Kelly Hitchcock  
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- two goals  
- two assists  
- six points  
- five shots  

Kayla Smith  
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- one goal  
- four shots  
- four shots on goal  
- one game-winning goal  

Hannah Ramos  
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- one goal  
- two shots  
- two shots on goal  

Leyna Yonehara  
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- one assist  
- one shot  

Tvesa Vathulya  
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- one assist  
- six shots  
- five shots on goal  

Warriors' Top Performers  

Sam Schroeder  
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- 10 saves  

Ginny Shade  
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- 1 shot on goal  
- 1 goal  

Payton Schiebel  
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- 1 assist  

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech improved to 9-0 lifetime versus the Warriors.
- Illinois Tech outshot the Warriors 32-2, and held a 19-1 shots on goal advantage

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks will host #4 seed Dominican University Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. at Stuart Field in the NACC Women's Soccer Tournament Semifinals.