NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Elmhurst University women's soccer team captured its first CCIW Tournament championship in program history Saturday, advancing past North Central 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
Making their first championship match appearance, the Bluejays secured the program's first tournament title since its founding in 1996.
After a scoreless first half, North Central took the lead at 52:41. Lauren Nevins answered just over six minutes later, tapping the ball away from the goalkeeper before finishing the loose ball to tie the match at 58:44.
Erin Fitzharris recorded seven saves through 110 minutes, helping Elmhurst force a shootout. Nevins led the Bluejays with four shots, while Elmhurst held North Central without a shot in the second overtime period.
Sequoia Ross took over in goal for the shootout once again. Following opening-round misses by both teams, Nora Simon, Fitzharris, and Calli Edwards each converted to keep Elmhurst leveled at 3-3 through four rounds. Both teams missed their next two attempts, sending the shootout into a seventh round.
After North Central missed again, Senior Anna Norstrom converted the deciding penalty to give Elmhurst the 4-3 shootout victory and seal the historic championship.
Up Next: The blue and white will continue their postseason ride into the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) DIII Women's Soccer Championship, with its opponent and location to be announced during the selection show on Monday, Nov 9.
