Chicago, Il - Illinois Tech women's basketball fell to Principia, 78-47, at Hay Field House on Saturday concluding its two opening weekend contests in the Laura Williams Memoria Classic. Illinois Tech showed defensive tenacity with 10 steals and managed 20 points in the paint. Principia dominated the boards, securing 51 rebounds. Illinois Tech is now 0-2 for the season, while Principia remains undefeated at 2-0.

How It Happened

The game opened with Principia's Taylor Brown scoring a layup just ten seconds into the first quarter, assisted by Ariana Williams, to take an early lead. The Panthers extended their advantage to 7-1 with a 3-pointer from Lamiya Terrell at the 7:08 mark. Illinois Tech's Grace Goodnough responded with a jumper, reducing the deficit to four points. Principia maintained their momentum with a 3-pointer from Hannah Myers at 3:45, pushing their lead to 12-3. In the final moments, the Scarlet Hawks' Abigail Marino scored twice, including a fast-break layup at 0:39, narrowing the gap to 14-9 by the end of the first quarter.

Principia maintained their lead over the Scarlet Hawks in the second quarter, with a strong defensive presence resulting in two blocks and several defensive rebounds. Myers contributed significantly to Principia's scoring efforts, making an early 3-pointer with 8:39 remaining and assisting on a layup by Trinniti Matthews. Illinois Tech countered with a string of successful plays, including a layup by Lea Petitjean at 6:27 and free throws from Halle Williams at 3:20 to narrow the gap. However, a late 3-pointer by Taylor Brown with 30 seconds left extended the Panthers' lead to 28-20 by the end of the quarter.

In the third quarter, Principia extended their lead with effective scoring and defense. Matthews contributed significantly, scoring multiple times in the paint, including a layup at 2:25 that increased the home team's advantage to 46-32. Genesis Santiago added to the lead with a fast-break layup at 4:04. The Scarlet Hawks struggled with turnovers, which Principia capitalized on, creating scoring opportunities. Despite Chloe Churilla's consistent free-throw shooting, Illinois Tech trailed at the end of the quarter with a score of 54-36.

Principia capitalized on Illinois Tech's turnovers in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points to the Scarlet Hawks' 11, sealing a decisive victory. Principia's Santiago spearheaded the attack with a layup and a 3-pointer, contributing to a 69-37 lead at the 5:10 mark. Illinois Tech's Marino responded with a 3-pointer at 4:12, but it was insufficient against Principia's continued scoring, including a 3-pointer from Alexis Matthews at 4:51. Illinois Tech managed a late surge, with Morgan Applewhite scoring a layup and Marino adding free throws, but Principia's control remained unchallenged.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Abigail Marino
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- 12 points
- 3 steals
- 4 rebounds

Chloe Churilla
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- 12 points
- 8/11 free throws made
- 7 rebounds

Berit Rusing
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- 3 steals
- 6 rebounds

Morgan Applewhite
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- 2 steals

Principia Top Performers

Genesis Santiago
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- 23 points
- 6 steals
- 3 assists

Lamiya Terrell
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- 11 points
- 5 steals
- 7 rebounds

Trinniti Matthews
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- 11 points
- 1 block
- 6 rebounds

Taylor Brown
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- 9 points
- 3 steals
- 2 assists

Game Notes:
Abigail Marino was named the player of the game for the Scarlet Hawks by the tournament with her 12 point, 4 rebound, 3 steal performance.

Up Next 
 Illinois Tech will travel to face Beloit College on Saturday, Nov. 15. The game will tip off at 5 p.m. in Beloit, Wisconsin.