The Scarlet Hawks challenged Holy Cross College for their homecoming match on Saturday. The weather was cool and cloudy, but family and friends still filled the stands to support the Hawks! The game resulted in a 6-0 victory for IIT.
Junior, Stephanie Salem, got the game started with a goal scored within three minutes of game. Jaimie Ward found Salem at the top of the 18 for the assist. Salem confidently put the ball into the top right corner of the net. This was Salem's 5th goal of the season.
The Scarlet Hawks continued to dominate the field and had many opportunities on the opponent's goal. However, a lapse in concentration and focus prevented the Hawks from scoring again until the 42nd minute of the first half. Senior, Erica Delgado, scored the second goal of the match. Mary McCabe ripped a shot from inside the 18-yard box that rebounded off the post and landed right into the path of Delgado. Delgado tucked the ball away into the upper left corner of the goal.
After an inspiring halftime talk from coach, Lee Hitchen, the Scarlet Hawks were ready to improve their play in the second half. The Hawks immediately connected better as a team, and Mary McCabe scored within the first minute of the second half. The assist came from Erica Delgado. Soon after, McCabe scored her second goal. Sophomore, Kay Durbin, slipped a smart pass right across the goal for McCabe to securely put the ball away into the back of the net. Within seven minutes of the game, McCabe scored her third goal of the match! Delgado had the assist. Senior, Mary McCabe was on fire with a hat trick! McCabe now has eight goals this season.
Many substitutions were made with 35 minutes remaining in the game. The Hawks stayed in control of the game with fresh players on the field. The last goal of the match game came from freshman, Emily Tilton. Tilton slipped the ball in the left corner of the goal from the top on the 6-yard box with four minutes left in the game.
The Hawks now have a record of 7-2 and are undefeated in conference play so far, 2-0. The IIT women's soccer team would like to thank all of their supporters and fans for coming out to the homecoming match. The Hawks will contest against the University of Saint Francis at 4pm, Tuesday, September 29th. KEEP IT UP HAWKS!!
