BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Carroll University women's soccer team kept its postseason run alive Saturday evening, using two second-half goals to defeat Illinois Wesleyan University 2-0 in the quarterfinal round of the CCIW Tournament at Neis Field. Ellie Pierson and Carmella Nowak each found the back of the net, while goalkeeper Ava Lewandowski recorded nine saves to help the Pioneers advance to Wednesday's semifinal matchup against Elmhurst University.
The opening half saw Illinois Wesleyan apply pressure offensively, outshooting Carroll 9-6 through the first 45 minutes. Lewandowski was up to the challenge, recording five first-half saves to keep the Titans off the scoreboard. Carroll generated opportunities of its own, including shots on goal from Nowak, Pierson, and Naomy Gonzalez, but neither team could break through as the contest entered halftime scoreless.
The Pioneers continued battling in the second half before breaking the scoreless tie in the 63rd minute. Nowak connected with Pierson near the top of the penalty area, where Pierson delivered a perfectly placed chip shot that sailed just over the outstretched arms of Illinois Wesleyan goalkeeper Adriana Ruffolo and into the back of the net. The goal marked Pierson's fifth of the season and gave Carroll a 1-0 advantage.
Less than nine minutes later, Carroll doubled its lead when Nowak stepped up to take a penalty kick in the 72nd minute. Nowak calmly placed her shot into the lower left corner of the net, extending the Pioneers' advantage to 2-0. The goal was Nowak's third of the season, completing a three-point performance after assisting on Pierson's earlier score.
Illinois Wesleyan continued to push offensively in the closing minutes, but Carroll's defense stood strong to preserve the shutout. The Titans finished with a 19-11 advantage in total shots, including a 9-6 edge in shots on goal. Lewandowski finished with nine saves, including four in the second half, while Pierson and Nowak combined for seven of Carroll's 11 shots.
With the victory, Carroll advances to the CCIW Tournament semifinals, where the Pioneers will travel to face Elmhurst University on Wednesday, November 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Langhorst Field in Elmhurst, Ill., with a trip to the CCIW Tournament Championship on the line.
