Chicago, Ill. — Despite career highs in points from Abigail Marino and Lea Petitjean, Illinois Tech faced a tough game against Edgewood University, falling 72-41 at the Keating Sports Center on Saturday. 

Illinois Tech fell to 2-13 overall, and 2-7 in NACC play. The Eagles improved to 9-7 overall and 7-1 in conference.

How It Happened

The game kicked off with the Scarlet Hawks' Abigail Marino sinking a layup at 9:11, putting the home team on the board first. Edgewood's Ava Berg quickly countered with a three-pointer, set up by Kate Gunderson, at 8:58. Grace Goodnough hit a crucial jumper for Illinois Tech at 5:02, narrowing the score to 10-6. However, the Eagles capitalized on offensive rebounds, creating second-chance points. Ella Hamacher's fast-break layup with 29 seconds left in the quarter pushed the Eagles ahead, ending the quarter 18-10 in their favor.

Edgewood kept the pressure on in the second quarter with Laci Lindsey scoring a layup just five seconds in, thanks to Gunderson's assist. Marino answered with a layup at 9:12, trying to keep pace. Despite a three-pointer from Camden Joko at 6:44, the Scarlet Hawks struggled with turnovers, committing six in the quarter, making it hard to close the gap. The quarter wrapped up with the Eagles leading 35-19, highlighted by a layup from Clare Allison with 29 seconds on the clock.

The third quarter saw Joko open with a three-pointer for Illinois Tech, assisted by Lea Petitjean, trimming the Eagles' lead. Yet, the visitors stayed strong with key plays, including a three-pointer by Taylor Wollin at 8:35, widening their advantage. The Scarlet Hawks tried to rally with Petitjean contributing a layup and a tip-in, but the Eagles held firm. Hamacher's free throws and Gunderson's late jumper extended the Eagles' lead, closing the quarter at 53-32.

Sophia Guerrero's three-pointer at 9:16 pushed the Edgewood lead further. Goodnough made her mark with a jumper at 7:31, assisted by Berit Rusing, but it wasn't enough to change the tide. Payton Grenzer's layup and a free throw at 3:15 sealed the contest. Marino's free throws and a late steal added brief highlights for Illinois Tech, but the Eagles held control until the final buzzer.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Abigail Marino
- 13 points
- 3/4 free throws made
- 1 steal

Berit Rusing
- 5 rebounds
- 2 steals
- 2 assists

Grace Goodnough
- 7 points
- 3 steals
- 3 rebounds

Lea Petitjean
- 10 points
- 5 field goals made
- 2 assists

Eagles' Top Performers

Laci Lindsey
- 12 points
- 4/4 free throws made
- 9 rebounds

Kate Gunderson
- 11 points
- 5 assists
- 4 rebounds

Ella Hamacher
- 10 points
- 6/7 free throws made

Taylor Wollin
- 9 points
- 3 steals
- 6 rebounds

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech is now 0-9 all-time vs. the Eagles.
- The Eagles held a 45-21 rebound advantage.
- Marino achieved a career-high with 13 points.
- Petitjean also hit a career-high with 10 points.
- Rusing has secured at least 5 rebounds in 3 straight games.

Up Next
Up next, the Scarlet Hawks will host Benedictine University on Wednesday, January 21st at 7 p.m. at Keating Sports Center in another NACC contest.