Contact:
Tyler Bremner, Sports Information Graduate Assistant
Nov. 4, 2023 – The North Central College women's soccer team claimed their first College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) tournament championship crown after shattering Carroll University 3-1 at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
North Central (18-2, 8-0 CCIW) started the match looking to continue their high-powered offense that scored six goals against Millikin University in the semi-finals.
The Cardinals found their first shot on goal in the 8
th minute with a shot from
Sarah Andrey that Caitlin Fitzsimons was just able to save.
It wasn't long for North Central to find another opportunity as seven minutes later,
Kaitlyn Cannon found
Elle Sutter in stride to push the Cardinals to an early lead.
Carroll (11-6-3, 4-1-3 CCIW) took their first scoring attempt two minutes later forcing a quick save from
Jordan Boyd.
The Cardinals up 1-0 took another three shots on goal before finding room as,
Yazmin Martinez connected with
Kassandra Salviola for her first goal of the post-season.
Both teams continued to battle for possession with North Central winning out in the 39
th minute with,
Madison DeVriendt setting up Sutter for her fourth goal of the tournament.
Carroll did not get another attempt on goal, leaving the score 3-0 into halftime.
Entering the final half, the Cardinals looked to keep the game out of reach but, Carroll could not be silenced as in the 73
rd minute, Kenzie Blau connected with Brielle Ingalsbee in stride to put the Pioneers on the board 3-1.
As the clock continued to tick down, a costly foul gave
Katie Huey a penalty kick opportunity that was narrowly deflected by Fitzsimons with six minutes left.
The Pioneers did not get another shot attempt as the score locked up at 3-1 sealing the Cardinals first CCIW tournament championship victory.
In total, North Central broke through the CCIW tournament scoring a collective nine goals while only allowing two goals by the entire CCIW conference.
The Cardinals await the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) selection show on Nov. 6
th at 12:30 p.m.
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