MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — Illinois Tech fell to Cornell College 15–4 at Van Metre Field on Saturday. The Scarlet Hawks managed to score once in each of the first and fourth quarters, with a player-up goal highlighting their final quarter performance. The Hawks did get a boost to the lineup as Jenny Park returned to action. Park scored her 14th goal of the season in the contest.

Illinois Tech has a record of 3-11, 1-5 in the conference. The Rams have a record of 4-8, 3-3 in the conference.

How It Happened

The first quarter began with Illinois Tech's Antonia Martinez scoring the opening goal at 12:02, following a free position attempt. Cornell College responded with a strong offensive showing, as Brynn Miroslavich scored three goals, including two assisted by Ava Ferencz, to establish a lead. Alex Neely extended the advantage with a goal at 52 seconds remaining, assisted by Hailey Sieler. Illinois Tech's defense, with Samantha Gargiulo making key saves, faced consistent pressure. At the end of the quarter, the Rams led 4–1.

Jenny Park opened the scoring for the Scarlet Hawks in the second quarter with a goal from a free position shot at 14:13, momentarily narrowing the score gap. The Rams responded with two consecutive goals, including one from Hailey Sieler at 7:57, which shifted momentum in its favor. Illinois Tech's Antonia Martinez, assisted by Ava Roll, found the back of the net at 6:10, keeping the visitors within striking distance. However, Sieler struck again for Cornell at 0:10, assisted by Evi Reedy, extending Cornell's lead to 7–3 by the end of the quarter.

Cornell College extended its lead significantly during the third quarter, outscoring Illinois Tech 5–0. Ava Ferencz initiated scoring for Cornell, with a goal at 12:38. Evi Reedy followed with a goal assisted by Natalie Hudgins at 9:40, further adding to Cornell's advantage. Just over a minute later, Sabrina Ibanez scored, bringing the score to 10–3. Hailey Sieler found the net at the 7:00 mark, assisted by Ibanez, prompting an Illinois Tech timeout. Despite efforts from the Scarlet Hawks, including a shot by Elise Wierzchon that was saved and another by Eliza Baron at 2:05, they were unable to score. Evi Reedy concluded the quarter's scoring at 5:14 with a goal assisted by Sieler, solidifying Cornell's 12–3 lead heading into the final quarter.

Cornell College extended its lead over Illinois Tech with a strong performance in the fourth quarter, securing a 15–4 victory. Ava Ferencz initiated the scoring at 13:18 with an unassisted goal, followed by Sabrina Ibanez who found the net at 9:57. Illinois Tech responded with a goal from Antonia Martinez on a player-up free position attempt at 5:55. However, Cassie Clay sealed the quarter for Cornell College with a goal assisted by Kimora Florence at 2:11. Illinois Tech's attempts to close the gap were met with several turnovers and defensive stops from Cornell College.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Antonia Martinez
- 3 goals
- 4 shots
- 2 free position goals
- 6 ground balls

Jenny Park
- 1 goal
- 1 shot on goal
- 1 free position goal

Ellie Post
- 4 ground balls
- 1 draw control

Elise Wierzchon
- 5 draw controls
- 3 caused turnovers
- 2 ground balls

Ava Roll
- 1 assist
- 1 shot

Cornell College Top Performers

Ava Ferencz
- 2 goals
- 2 assists
- 3 shots on goal

Hailey Sieler
- 3 goals
- 1 game-winning goal
- 2 assists

Brynn Miroslavich
- 3 goals
- 3 shots on goal
- 5 total shots

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech fell to 4-4 overall against Cornell College, losing the last three matches.
- Team - Faced 42 shots in the game, surpassing their season average of 28.92.
- Team - Totaled 4 free position shots in the game, exceeding their season average of 2.15.
- Antonia Martinez - Collected 6 ground balls, surpassing their season average of 2.31.
- Ellie Post - Recorded a season-high total of 4 ground balls.

Up Next
Looking ahead, Illinois Tech will host Beloit College at Stuart Field on Tuesday, April 14. The game is set for 5 p.m., and will be Senior Night.