MADISON, Wis. — Despite a 19-point effort from senior forward
Chloe Churilla, a career-high 8 assists from
Abigail Marino, and getting 20 points from the bench in their season finale at Edgewood University on Saturday, Illinois Tech women's basketball couldn't overcome a hot first-quarter start by the Eagles, eventually falling 65-55 at the Todd Wehr Edgedome.
Illinois Tech finishes their season at 4-21 overall (3-15 in the NACC). Edgewood improves to 12-13 overall (11-7 NACC), and will face Aurora in the opening round of the NACC tournament on Wednesday.
How It Happened
Edgewood set the tone early as Laci Lindsey hit a three-pointer at 9:36, assisted by Taylor Wollin. The Eagles quickly built an 8-0 lead after another three from Kate Gunderson. Illinois Tech fought back with
Chloe Churilla leading the charge, including a crucial layup at 2:13 to close the gap to 13-12. However, Edgewood finished the quarter strong, with a three from McKenna Reilly at 0:39 and a buzzer-beater jumper from Ella Hamacher, ending the first quarter 24-15.
In the second quarter, Illinois Tech outscored Edgewood 15-13, narrowing the deficit.
Grace Goodnough sparked the Scarlet Hawks with a jumper at 5:57, and
Amanda Wang followed with a three-pointer, assisted by
Abigail Marino, at 5:32. The Eagles answered with a jumper from Hamacher at 5:04 and a late three from Ava Berg with 53 seconds left.
Camden Joko nailed a three-pointer, aided by Marino, with 26 seconds on the clock, ending the half with Edgewood up 37-30.
The third quarter saw the Eagles maintain their lead, outscoring Illinois Tech 11-7.
Berit Rusing's fast-break layup at 6:57 brought the Hawks closer at 37-32. Edgewood replied swiftly with a jumper from Wollin, assisted by Gunderson, making it 39-32.
Halle Williams added a layup at 6:16, assisted by Marino, to bring it to 39-34. Edgewood pulled away with a three from Grace Vesperman at 3:43, assisted by Wollin, extending the lead to 44-36. Reilly's free throw with a second left secured a 48-37 lead for the Eagles.
In the final quarter, despite a spirited effort from the Scarlet Hawks, Edgewood held on for a 65-55 victory. Laci Lindsey was pivotal for the Eagles, hitting two early threes at 9:34 and 8:47. Illinois Tech's bench added 9 points, including a three-pointer from
Amanda Wang at 0:49, but Edgewood sealed the win with free throws from Gunderson and Wollin.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Chloe Churilla
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- 19 points
- 8 field goals made
- 3 assists
Abigail Marino
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- 8 assists
- 3 points
- 3 rebounds
Grace Goodnough
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- 9 rebounds
- 3 blocks
- 4 points
Amanda Wang
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- 9 points
- 3 three-pointers made
- 2 steals
Edgewood Top Performers
Laci Lindsey
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- 13 points
- 7 rebounds
- 2 assists
Kate Gunderson
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- 13 points
- 5 rebounds
- 4/4 free throws made
Taylor Wollin
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- 7 points
- 4 assists
- 3 steals
Grace Vesperman
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- 7 points
- 2 blocks
- 4/4 free throws made
Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech falls to 0-10 lifetime against the Eagles.
- Team reached a season-high 17 assists.
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Abigail Marino recorded a season-high 8 assists.
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Chloe Churilla posted a season-high 19 points.
-
Halle Williams has scored at least 9 points in 2 consecutive games.
Scarlet Hawks Season By The Numbers
