Chicago, Ill. — The Illinois Tech Women's Lacrosse squared up against Elmhurst on Thursday afternoon at Stuart Field, falling in the contest 12-5. Illinois Tech's record now stands at 0-4, while Elmhurst improved to 1-3.

How it Happened 

The game kicked off with Antonia Martinez winning the draw control for Illinois Tech. However, Elmhurst quickly seized the momentum, with Ashley Kay opening the scoring at 11:24 in a man-up situation. Kay was relentless, adding two more goals, including a crucial free position shot at 10:06, leading to an Illinois Tech timeout. Elmhurst's offense didn't let up, with goals from Zoe Valdevenito and Andrea Murtland, finishing the first quarter with a 5-0 lead as Illinois Tech grappled with turnovers and penalties.

In the second quarter, Jenny Park ignited the Scarlet Hawks' offense with a goal at 14:42. Elmhurst answered back, with Valdevenito scoring off a Grace Lorkiewicz assist at 12:34, followed by Olivia Ingraffia's unassisted goal at 11:47, widening the gap. Eliza Baron took advantage of a man-up opportunity with a free position shot at 9:01, bringing the score to 7-2. The quarter ended with another man-up goal from Kay at 00:58, leaving Illinois Tech trailing 8-2.

The third quarter saw both teams adding a goal to their totals, maintaining the intensity. Baron's goal at 9:42 offered a glimmer of hope for Illinois Tech, but Elmhurst's Valdevenito quickly responded at 8:26. Despite several attempts, including a free position shot by Ava Roll, Illinois Tech couldn't further capitalize, thanks to key saves from Elmhurst's Jacq Vanoni. The quarter wrapped up with Elmhurst leading 9-3.

In the fourth quarter, Illinois Tech capitalized on an Elmhurst turnover, with Victoria Akirtava's ground ball recovery leading to a free position goal by Park at 13:37. Martinez followed up with another free position goal at 12:52, keeping up the pressure. However, Elmhurst's Kay scored again at 9:27, prompting another Illinois Tech timeout. Elmhurst extended their lead with goals from Valdevenito and Lorkiewicz, despite Illinois Tech's efforts, including a late save by Vanoni on a Martinez shot. The game concluded with Elmhurst securing a 12-5 victory.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Eliza Baron
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- 2 goals (first goals of her career)
- 4 shots on goal
- 1 free-position goal

Jenny Park
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- 2 goals
- 3 shots on goal
- 1 free-position goal

Antonia Martinez
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- 1 goal
- 4 shots on goal
- 1 free-position goal

Elmhurst Top Performers

Ashley Kay
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- 5 goals
- 1 assist
- 5 shots on goal
- 3 free position shots

Zoe Valdevenito
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- 4 goals
- 1 game-winning goal
- 4 shots on goal

Grace Lorkiewicz
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- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 2 shots on goal

Jacq Vanoni
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- 12 saves
- 20 shots faced

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech is now 1-4 all-time against Elmhurst, having dropped the last three meetings.

Up Next

The Scarlet Hawks hit the road to Naperville, Illinois, to take on North Central College. The game is slated for Tuesday, March 10 at 5 p.m.