By Jami Sponaugle

Chicago, Ill. - The Illinois Tech women's soccer team wasted no time on Saturday scoring a goal. In the Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference (NACC) contest, four goals were scored within the first five minutes of action. By the end of the match, the Hawks defeated the Lakeland University Muskies 8-0. Kelly Hitchcock led the Hawks in goals, recording a hat-trick. Saturday's win improved the Hawks record to 15-2-2 overall and 8-1-2 in NACC action. The Hawks are currently on a 4-game winning streak and haven't lost a match 13 games. 

Senior Day

Prior to kick-off, the Hawks honored their eight seniors: Jamie Griggs, Alexis Williamson, Katelyn Holcomb, Cheryl Gardner, Savanna Gonzalez, Kenna Flores, Nicole Fajardo, and Clàudia Martí Fanlo. Congratulations to these seniors for their careers as Scarlet Hawks. Thank you for your contributions to Illinois Tech both on and off the field. 

How It Happened

• Griggs recorded the opening goal. Griggs then netted the teams 5th goal. 

• Goals 2-4 came from Kelly Hitchcock, who recorded a hat-trick within a 4 minute time span. One goal was unassisted while Fajardo assisted one and Kayla Smith the other.

• Smith fired in the Hawks 6th goal. 

• In the 20th minute, Martí Fanlo recorded the teams 7th goal of the contest off a Griggs assist. 

• The lone goal of the second half came late in the 85th minute by Ally Sanchez. Sanchez was assisted by Kate Domian.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Hitchcock's hat-trick performance led the Hawks in goal scoring Saturday night. 

• Griggs followed with two goals and an assist.

• Martí Fanlo led the team in shots, recording five by the end of the match. She finished with one goal. 

• Smith and Sanchez also provided one goal.

• Gardner and Sophia Rodriguez shared time in the goal for the Hawks to complete the shutout. Gardner recorded one save during her time in the net. 

Inside the Box Score 

• The Hawks tallied 46 shots while only allowing two during the 90 minutes of play. 27 shots were on frame compared to the Muskies 1. 

• Lakeland's goalkeeper's made 19 saves.

• Illinois Tech held a 9-0 corner kick advantage. 

• 10 fouls were committed by the Muskies and 9 were committed by the Hawks.

Up Next

The Hawks look to close out the 2022 NACC regular season on Tuesday when they travel to Rockford, Ill. to take on the Rockford University Regents. Kick-off between the two teams is set for 7:00 p.m.