Elgin, Ill. - The Illinois Tech women downed last years CCAC Tournament Champions, Judson University, on Saturday afternoon. This is the first time IIT has beaten the Lady Eagles in the programs short history.

Going in to the game the Lady Scarlet Hawks had many factors against them. The homecoming crowd, an unfamiliar field, the history between the two schools, and an ever growing injury list, but nothing could stop the effort that was put forth by IIT.

A strong defense, lead by senior captain Sara Wilde kept the Judson offense away from the goal and deflated their momentum. In the second half, IIT picked up more injuries. This seemed to spark the Hawks into life. They finished normal time as the stronger team, with Stephanie Salem nearly scoring a last gasp winner with 3 seconds remaining in the game.

Illinois Tech started the 1st period of overtime as they finished normal time, immediately going on the offensive. An early foul was called against Judson in their defensive half giving IIT a free kick which was taken by Emily Kunkel. Mary McCabe flicked the ball into the 18 yard box, and Salem headed the ball across the six to find Kay Durbin waiting to slam the ball past Judson's keeper for the game winner. The strike sent the Lady Hawks players and coaches into jubilant celebrations with the team knowing the golden goal meant the end of the game and confirming the Hawks first ever victory over Judson University.

"This is a great day for the program, the players, and the coaching staff," said Coach Peacock. "To beat Judson who are lasts years CCAC tournament Champions is a landmark for this program. It's again another sign that this program is improving year after year. We've been saying for a while now that we will get the right result in a big game if we just correct a few things, and today we did just that. It wasn't the best game to watch but we got the result. As a team we played really well, and the players should be really proud of what they have achieved today and so far this year."

The Lady Scarlet Hawks travel to Wisconsin to play Cardinal Stritch University on Wednesday and look to reach the .500 mark in conference play.