Chicago, Ill. — Illinois Tech women's lacrosse was looking to even their conference record when 0-1 MSOE came to Stuart Field Saturday afternoon. Despite an early goal by Elise Wierzchon giving the Scarlet Hawks a quick 1-0 lead, MSOE bounced back with five first quarter goals en route to their 19-4 victory. Kelly Hitchcock was the offensive bright spot for the Hawks, registering her first three goals of the season.

Illinois Tech now stands at 2–8 overall, 0–2 in conference play. The Raiders share a 2–8 record, with a 1–1 mark in the conference.

How It Happened

The Scarlet Hawks started strong with a quick goal by Elise Wierzchon, assisted by Eliza Baron, just over a minute into the game. The Raiders quickly answered with a goal from Ashlyn Bode, leveling the score. Vayda Flower then ignited the Raiders' offense with three straight goals, two coming from free position shots, pushing the Raiders to a 4–1 lead. Kelly Hitchcock managed to cut the deficit with a goal at 3:03, but the Raiders' Chloe Ninmann responded at 2:44, ending the quarter with a 5–2 advantage for the Raiders.

The second quarter saw the Raiders extend their lead with Flower scoring twice more, including one assisted by Arial Lapsa at 10:39. Lilly Johnson added to the lead with a goal assisted by Flower shortly thereafter. Illinois Tech answered back with a player-up goal by Hitchcock, assisted by Antonia Martinez at 5:13. Despite the effort, the Raiders' Ninmann scored two more, closing the half with an 11–3 lead. Samantha Gargiulo was busy in goal, making several key saves, but Illinois Tech trailed 11–3 at halftime.

Illinois Tech found some rhythm in the third quarter, with Hitchcock scoring at 10:33 to narrow the gap to 11–4. Hitchcock also dominated the draw controls, though turnovers continued to disrupt the Scarlet Hawks' momentum. The Raiders countered with a player-up goal by Paige Calderone, assisted by Ninmann at 07:57, and Jenna Kent added another at 05:08. Despite numerous attempts, Illinois Tech was unable to find the net again, ending the third quarter down 13–4.

The final quarter saw the Raiders pull away with six unanswered goals. Ninmann opened with a goal at 12:56, assisted by Lapsa, quickly followed by Lapsa's own goal at 11:23 with help from Joce Katte. Calderone struck again at 5:45, assisted by Ninmann, and Alana Perry capitalized on a player-up chance at 3:47. Flower and Megan Strong closed out the scoring, with Flower converting an assist from Johnson at 2:13 and Strong sinking a free position shot with just 8 seconds left. Turnovers plagued Illinois Tech throughout, stifling their offensive efforts in the final frame.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Kelly Hitchcock
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- 3 goals
- 8 shots
- 1 player-up goal

Elise Wierzchon
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- 1 goal
- 1 shot on goal

Eliza Baron
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- 1 assist
- 2 shots on goal

Raiders Top Performers

Chloe Ninmann
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- 4 goals
- 2 assists
- 8 shots on goal

Vayda Flower
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- 6 goals
- 2 assists
- 2 free-position goals

Arial Lapsa
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- 2 goals
- 2 assists
- 7 shots on goal

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech falls to 0–3 lifetime against the Raiders.
- The team has recorded at least 14 goalie saves in two consecutive games.
- Kelly Hitchcock achieved a season-high with 3 goals.
- Isabelle Niebler gathered 3 ground balls, surpassing her season average.
- Samantha Anderson made her collegiate debut in goal, facing 9 shots and making 3 saves.

Up Next
Illinois Tech will next take on Concordia University (Wis.) on Tuesday, March 31 at 4 p.m. in Mequon, Wisconsin.