By Jami Sponaugle

Rockford, Ill. - In the final Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference (NACC) regular season matchup of the 2022 season, the Scarlet Hawks women's soccer team picked up a 2-0 victory over the Rockford University Regents. First year Kayla Smith led the Hawks to victory with her two first half goals. With Tuesday's victory, the Hawks finished the season with a 16-2-2 overall record, and a 9-1-2 NACC record. 

How It Happened

• Dribbling her way through most of the Regents defense, Smith fired in the Hawks first goal in the 20th minute. After receiving the ball near the sideline, Smith took off dribbling, going towards the center of the field before cutting to face the goal near the corner of the 18-yard box. With three defenders coming at her at once, Smith found an opening to continue her run into the 18-yard box. Then, with two more Regents defenders stepping towards her, Smith ripped a shot, sending it just above the goalkeeper's hands and right below the crossbar to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.

• 10 minutes later, Smith netted her second, and the Hawks final goal of the match. The play started after the Hawks won the ball in their defensive half off a Regents throw in. Quickly making their way up the field, the Hawks found themselves on the offensive side in no time. Receiving the ball just above the 18-yard box, Smith was able to throw off her defender just enough to shoot a similar shot to her first to give the Hawks their ultimate 2-0 victory. 

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Smith's two goal performance led the Hawks to victory. By the end of the 90 minutes, Smith finished with 4 shots. 

• Lucy Jorjorian led the team with 8 shots, 1 on goal.

• Lucy Vanveldhuisen followed with 5 shots, 4 on goal. 

• Amelia Moseman rounded out the Hawks top three shooters with 6 shots, 3 on goal. 

• Sarah Thomas and Cheryl Gardner shared time on the net. Thomas faced the Regents only during the Hawks shutout victory. 

Inside the Box Score

• Illinois Tech held a 40-1 shot advantage over Rockford. 16 of the Hawks shots were on frame. 

• The Hawks earned 6 corner kicks.

• 4 fouls were committed by the Hawks while 3 were committed by the Regents

Up Next

For the third straight season, the Hawks find themselves back into the NACC postseason tournament. The Hawks now await their final seeding to determine their opponent and date for their opening NACC women's soccer postseason game.