The Duhawks (4-9, 1-3) fired off 10 shots in the opening half, but could not withstand the 19 shots unloaded by the Scarlet Hawks (3-8, 1-2) leading to a 6-2 deficit at the break.

Illinois Tech scored its seventh consecutive goal, three minutes into the second half to push their lead to five.

Winning the ensuing draw control, the Duhawks drove down field in search of their first goal since 21:44 to play in the first half. Senior Gina Dacy transitioned the ball through the midfield to freshman Sarah Hanson who buried a shot for her first goal of the game.

After a quick response from the Scarlet Hawks, Loras' lone goal scorer of the first half, junior Kaitlyn Kutsch netted her third goal of the game. A pivotal play for the Duhawks, Kutsch's goal shifted momentum in favor of the purple and gold.

With senior Eliza Slanker and the rest of the Duhawk defense tightening down on Illinois Tech's attack, Kutsch and company dialed in offensively.

Kutsch and freshman Haley Sundquist scored, pulling the Duhawks within two with 14:19 to play. 

Illinois Tech pushed their lead back to three, 9-6, scoring with 8:29 left on the clock.

With the Scarlet Hawks threatening, freshman Ashley McGee's clutch save jump started a scoring opportunity for the Duhawks. Clearing the ball up field, McGee flung a pass to freshman Sammi Wichgers who successfully completed the clear. The stout defensive play resulted in a goal by Kutsch with 3:49 to play, pulling Loras within two, 9-7.

Loras continued their comeback push moments later when Kutsch fed sophomore Hailey Frederick inside the eight meter, bringing the Duhawks within one.

In search of the game tying goal, Loras fired shot after shot but Illinois Tech's Briana Villagrana kept them from evening the score, ending their comeback short, 9-8.

Game Changer
Ilinois Tech's goal with 8:29 to play, broke the Duhawks' momentum temporarily, proving to be the game winner

Key Stat
The teams combined for 11 free position shots, Loras converted 1-of-7 while Illinois Tech made 1-of-4

Notables

• Freshman Ashley McGee boasted a .550 save percentage in the loss, her highest in a loss this season and second best of her career 
• With 11 saves on the afternoon, freshman Ashley McGee recorded double-digit saves for the fourth time this season
• Junior Kaitlyn Kutsch tallied five goals and an assist, her second highest goal total of the season
• The Duhawks are 2-2 in games decided by one goal
• Loras dropped to 0-4 in games that freshman Ashley McGee has 10 or more saves

Up Next
After taking nearly a week to prepare, the Duhawks return to the field on Saturday when they host Aurora in MWLC action. Opening draw is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Rock Bowl.