Illinois Tech controlled much of the run of play early, applying steady pressure on the Elmhurst back line. After an initial save by goalkeeper Erin Fitzharris on a shot from Kelly Hitchcock in the 11th minute, the Scarlet Hawks broke through seconds later. Hitchcock capitalized on a pass from Tvesa Vathulya and slotted home the opening goal at 11:44. The Bluejays tried to respond, earning a corner in the 25th minute and pushing numbers forward, but the hosts doubled their lead in the 31st when defender Grace Yager struck from the edge of the box to make it 2-0. Fitzharris was active in the first half, making five saves to keep Elmhurst within reach.

The Scarlet Hawks extended their advantage just after halftime. Less than two minutes into the second half, Vathulya found the back of the net herself to push the lead to 3-0. Nine minutes later, Taylor Hernandez converted from close range, stretching the margin to four. Despite the deficit, Elmhurst continued to create chances. Katelyn Guolla sent a shot wide in the 60th minute, and Kelli Coughlin nearly pulled one back in the 80th with an effort just off target.

Fitzharris finished the match with six saves against 18 total shots, 10 of which were on goal. Elmhurst managed four shots overall, including one on frame from Maddie Cummings in the opening minutes. Defensively, the Bluejays earned two corner kicks and battled through 10 team fouls in a physical contest that saw frequent substitutions on both sides.