Verona, Wis. — Illinois Tech shut out Edgewood University with a decisive 4-0 victory Saturday afternoon at Edgewood University Field at Reddan Park. Illinois Tech dominated the match, scoring three goals in the first half and adding another in the second, while their defense held the Eagles to just one shot on goal.

Illinois Tech remains unbeaten with a record of 8-0-1, including a 4-0-0 mark in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference(NACC) play. Edgewood stands at 6-4-1 overall and 2-2-0 in conference competition.

The Scarlet Hawks have not allowed a goal over their first four conference games, and have only allowed 2 goals all season.

Illinois Tech began the first half assertively, with Grace Yager setting up an early goal for Kelly Hitchcock at 16'. The offensive momentum continued as Hitchcock, assisted by Eva Narvarte and Hannah Ramos, netted another goal at 27', extending the lead to 2-0. Shortly after, Kayla Smith added to the tally with an unassisted goal at 30'.

Illinois Tech maintained pressure throughout the half, consistently challenging the Eagles' defense. Despite multiple attempts from the Eagles, the visiting team's defense, anchored by Kayla Hampton in goal, preserved the shutout. The half concluded with Illinois Tech leading 3-0.

The second half featured a key moment for Illinois Tech as Kayla Thomas, assisted by Smith, scored in the 61st minute to extend their lead. Illinois Tech continued to pressure the Edgewood defense, generating multiple shots, including attempts from Kaitlyn Walsh and Annika Torbenson, though the Eagles' goalkeeper, Madeline Brown, made critical saves to keep the score from widening further.

Despite Illinois Tech's control and offensive pressure, the Eagles managed a few shots, with Emmy Anderson making a notable save in the 64th minute. Illinois Tech maintained their composure, ending the half with a solid defensive effort and preserving a 4-0 victory.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Kayla Smith  
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- one goal  
- one assist  
- four shots  

Kelly Hitchcock  
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- two goals  
- four shots  
- one game-winning goal  

Kayla Thomas  
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- one goal  
- two shots on goal  

Hannah Ramos  
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- one assist  

Eagles Top Performers  

Madeline Brown  
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- 2 saves  
- 1 goal allowed  

Emma Swenson  
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- 2 saves  

Rylee Brotz  
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- 2 shots  
- 1 shot on goal  

Game Notes:  
- Illinois Tech is now 7-0-0 lifetime versus Edgewood.

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks look to extend their conference record to start the season to 5-0 when they travel to Lisle, IL on Wednesday, where they will face Benedictine University. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m.