Chicago, Ill. - As it has for the last three seasons, the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Women's Soccer Championship came down to a title game battle between Illinois Tech and MSOE. The Raiders won the title two years ago 1-0 in overtime. The Scarlet Hawks got revenge last year with a 6-1 victory. On Saturday at an overcast, chilly and damp Stuart Field, the Scarlet Hawks fell behind 1-0 early but came back to score three unanswered goals en route to a 3-1 victory. The Scarlet Hawks achieve back-to-back NACC post-season titles, and with it, the conference's automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship.

Illinois Tech improved their overall record to 19-1-1. The Raiders fell to 13-7-2 overall, and unless they receive an at-large bid, will miss the NCAA tournament this season.

The match commenced with Illinois Tech applying early pressure, generating a corner kick less than a minute into play. Grace Yager's shot was saved by the Raiders' goalkeeper, Page Sanchez. Moments later, the Raiders capitalized on a Scarlet Hawk turnover and took an early lead with a goal by Claire Bradford in the 5th minute.

The Scarlet Hawks were eventually able to get the equalizer when Mary Frampton scored on a penalty kick in the 26th minute. The home team continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarded in the 38th minute when, on a corner kick feed from Kayla Smith, Eva Narvarte directed a lofting header over the reach of Raider's goalkeeper Sanchez into the net for a 2-1 lead.

Illinois Tech began the second half with a strong offensive push. In the 53rd minute, Kayla Smith extended the lead to 3-1 with a goal on a crosser from Leyna Yonehara, following a corner kick opportunity. The home team's attack continued to apply pressure, with Gabriella Baltes and Kelly Hitchcock both forcing saves from Page Sanchez.

Defensively, Illinois Tech maintained their composure, with Kayla Hampton making key saves to preserve the lead. Despite several attempts by the Raiders, including a saved shot by Kit Gormley, Illinois Tech held firm. The half concluded with Illinois Tech maintaining their 3-1 lead at the final horn.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Eva Narvarte  
----------------------  
- one goal  
- one game-winning goal  
- one shot on goal  

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

Mary Frampton  
----------------------  
- one goal  
- one shot on goal  
- one penalty shot made  

Kayla Hampton  
----------------------  
- two saves  

Raiders Top Performers 

Page Sanchez  
----------------------  
- 10 saves  
- Faced 20 shots  

Claire Bradford  
----------------------  
- 1 goal  
- 1 shot on goal  
- 2 points  

Elizabeth Kuhn  
----------------------  
- 1 shot on goal  

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech improved to 8-2-2 lifetime versus the Raiders, and have won the last four consecutive matches.
- Illinois Tech outshot the Raiders 20-3, and held a 13-3 shots on goal advantage.

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks have to wait out until Monday morning to hear what their draw will be for the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship. First-round play would begain either Friday, November 14th or Saturday, November 15th.