Conway, Ark. - The Illinois Tech women's lacrosse team opened their 2025 season this past weekend with a pair of road matches in Conway, Arkansas, hosted by Hendrix College.

The Scarlet Hawks took on the host Warriors on Friday evening, and lost their season-opening match 16-3. On Saturday morning, the Hawks faced off against Southwestern University, with the Pirates winning the match 20-2.

Junior Antonia Martinez picked up where she left off for the Scarlet Hawks last season. Martinez finished with 4 goals over the two days of play to lead the Hawks in scoring. Martinez fired off 19 shots, with 12 shots on goal for a .632 shots on goal percentage. 

Sophomore Isabelle Niebler scored her second career goal in the match against SWU on Saturday, as she completes her move from defense to the front line. Niebler had 3 shots, 2 on goal for a .667 shots on goal percentage.

Graduate student goalkeeper Mercy Godfrey recorded 22 saves over the two games played.

Several Scarlet Hawks competed in their first collegiate lacrosse matches on the road trip: first-years Victoria Akirtava and Aislinn McManus; sophomores Aisha Leatherwood, Yuliana Sanchez and Ellie Post; and graduate student Julianna Moore.

Individual Performance (combined matches)

• Antonia Martinez with 4 goals on 19 shots, 12 on goal, for a .632 shots on goal percentage. Martinez also collected 2 ground balls, caused 1 turnover and had 12 draw controls to lead the team
• Isabelle Niebler with 1 goal on 3 shots, 2 on goal, for a .667 shots on goal percentage. Niebler led the team with 7 ground balls and 7 caused turnovers while also winning 4 draw controls
• Julianna Moore with 6 ground balls and 1 caused turnover
• Lucy Jorjorian with 3 ground balls, 3 caused turnovers and 2 draw controls
• Ellie Post with 1 shot/1 shot on goal, 4 ground balls, 3 caused turnovers and 1 draw control
• Iona Pettigrew with 1 ground ball and 1 caused turnover
• Victoria Akirtava with 1 ground ball and 1 caused turnover
• Aisha Leatherwood with 1 ground ball and 1 caused turnover
• Grecia Chacon with 1 ground ball
• Yuliana Sanchez with 1 ground ball
• Goalkeeper Mercy Godfrey with 22 saves

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks will take to Stuart Field for the first time in 2025, as they face off against Illinois Wesleyan University Wednesday night at 5:00pm for their home opener.