MEQUON, Wis. — The Illinois Tech women's lacrosse team faced a tough battle against Concordia University Wisconsin, ending with a 19–10 loss at Fitting Field on Tuesday. Despite a strong offensive push with 21 shots on goal, and holding an early 5-2 lead after the first quarter, the Scarlet Hawks couldn't overcome the Falcons, who capitalized on six player-up goals to clinch the win.
Antonia Martinez was the Scarlet Hawks offensive star of the game, scoring seven goals and eight points total.
Illinois Tech stands at 2–9 overall, 0–3 in conference play, while the Falcons improve to 4–5, 2–1.
How It Happened
Illinois Tech came out swinging in the first quarter.
Antonia Martinez set the tone with a goal at 14:07, thanks to an assist from
Kelly Hitchcock. Martinez didn't stop there, completing a hat trick by the end of the quarter.
Ava Roll also scored at 8:42, pushing the Scarlet Hawks to a 5–2 lead. The Falcons fought back with Emily Robertson and Katelyn Cardinale finding the net, but Illinois Tech held the advantage. Goalie
Samantha Gargiulo made several pivotal saves, including a crucial one against Robertson with just under two minutes left in the quarter.
The second quarter saw the tide turn as Concordia took advantage of their opportunities. Cardinale kicked off their scoring with a player-up goal at 11:58, later assisting Claire Geidel's goal at 6:56. Martinez was the lone scorer for Illinois Tech in this quarter at 7:45, also during a player-up situation. Concordia surged ahead with goals from Robertson, Cardinale, Makayla Spejcher, and Carolyn Bourgeault, closing the quarter with a 7–6 edge. Illinois Tech struggled to find the net, with Parks Cawthray's saves and turnovers halting their efforts.
The third quarter saw the Falcons extend their lead. Cardinale found the net twice, including a player-up goal at 9:54 assisted by Faith Schmitz. Hitchcock answered back with a goal at 7:58, but Concordia's offense remained relentless, as Bourgeault and Spejcher added to their tally, widening the gap. Illinois Tech faced challenges with turnovers, allowing Concordia to finish the quarter ahead 14–7.
Illinois Tech showed determination entering the fourth quarter. Hitchcock scored at 13:37 with an assist from
Eliza Baron, followed by another goal from Martinez at 12:46, assisted by Hitchcock. However, the Falcons responded with a flurry of goals, including a decisive one from Robertson at 5:37, assisted by Cardinale. Martinez added another goal at 1:49, but it wasn't enough to close the gap as Concordia sealed the game with two more goals, ending at 19–10.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Antonia Martinez
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- 7 goals
- 1 assist
- 9 shots
- 9 shots on goal
Kelly Hitchcock
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- 2 goals
- 2 assists
- 8 shots
- 7 shots on goal
Eliza Baron
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- 2 assists
- 2 shots
- 1 shot on goal
Concordia Wisconsin Top Performers
Emily Robertson
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- 5 goals
- 2 assists
- 8 shots on goal
Katelyn Cardinale
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- 7 goals
- 3 assists
- 1 game-winning goal
Makayla Spejcher
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- 2 goals
- 4 shots on goal
- 1 player-up goal
Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech is now 2–9 lifetime against the Falcons.
- The team exceeded their season average by scoring 10 goals.
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Antonia Martinez hit a season-high with 7 goals and 8 points.
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Kelly Hitchcock reached a season-high with 4 points.
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Elise Wierzchon collected 4 ground balls, surpassing her season average of 2.1.
Up Next
Illinois Tech will take on Marian University next, with the game scheduled for Saturday, April 4 at noon at Stuart Field in another NACC matchup.
