River Forest, Ill. — Illinois Tech women's basketball (2-18, 1-12 NACC) put up a valiant defensive fight but ultimately fell to Dominican University (10-10, 4-8 NACC), 48-41, at the Igini Sports Forum. Despite eight steals and four blocks, the Scarlet Hawks couldn't overcome 20 turnovers, which Dominican converted into 21 points.

How It Happened

The game kicked off with a competitive first quarter. Dominican's Allannah Jackson opened the scoring with a layup, but Illinois Tech's Abigail Marino quickly responded with a free throw and a layup, giving the Scarlet Hawks a brief 5-2 lead. A jumper by Kennedy Yost, set up by Emily Bouaphanh, tied the game, and a late layup and free throw by Aya Deiri gave Dominican a 15-10 edge by the end of the quarter.

As the second quarter unfolded, Dominican started strong with a three-pointer from Teagan Dahl, assisted by Bouaphanh. Illinois Tech's defense shone with three blocks, including one by Grace Goodnough, who also added a crucial tip-in. Despite Berit Rusing's multiple steals, Dominican maintained control, leading 28-20 at halftime after Camden Joko's three-pointer narrowed the gap.

In the third quarter, Dominican capitalized on Illinois Tech's turnovers. Teagan Dahl's layup, assisted by Jackson, pushed the lead to 30-20. Although Abigail Marino's three-pointer briefly sparked Illinois Tech's offense, Dominican kept the pace, ending the quarter with a 37-25 lead.

The Scarlet Hawks mounted a strong push in the fourth quarter. Chloe Churilla led with several layups, with key assists from Miabella Spica, cutting the lead to 39-30. Grace Goodnough added a jumper and a layup, both assisted by Spica, narrowing the deficit to 42-36. Camden Joko's clutch three-pointer brought Illinois Tech within five, but a fastbreak layup by Allannah Jackson sealed the game for Dominican, 48-41.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Grace Goodnough
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- 11 points
- 5 field goals made
- 2 blocks

Chloe Churilla
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- 10 points
- 10 rebounds
- 2 steals

Abigail Marino
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- 9 points
- 4/5 free throws made
- 3 rebounds

Berit Rusing
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- 4 points
- 9 rebounds
- 4 steals

Dominican Top Performers

Teagan Dahl
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- 11 points
- 10 rebounds
- 2 steals

Allannah Jackson
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- 10 points
- 9 rebounds
- 7 steals

Kennedy Yost
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- 12 points
- 7 rebounds
- 4 steals

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech is now 6-10 all-time against Dominican.
- The team recorded a season-high 31 defensive rebounds.
- Miabella Spica reached a season-high with 3 assists.
- Abigail Marino scored 9 points, surpassing her season average of 4.32.
- Chloe Churilla has recorded at least 10 points in two consecutive games.

Up Next
Illinois Tech will travel to face the Milwaukee School of Engineering on Saturday, February 7th, with tip-off set for 1 p.m. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.