CHICAGO - Marian University women's soccer (9-10-1, 5-5-1 NACC) fell to Illinois Tech by a 4-3 final in the NACC Tournament semifinals.

Each team would net a goal in the opening half with sophomore Charity Hertel netting her second goal of the year for the Sabres.  Each offense had a strong start with IIT holding a 17-12 advantage in shots for the half. 

The Scarlet Hawks then took a big lead to open the second half scoring three goals in a span of 12:00.  IIT looked poised to cruise to a berth in the NACC championship but the Sabres were able to put together some magic in the final minutes.

With just 1:14 left on the clock, senior Alexis Peterson would score her 10th goal of the season unassisted to put the score at 4-2.  Then just 36 seconds later sophomore Alicia Balken found the back of the net with an assist to senior Karissa Preston to trim the IIT lead down to just one.

IIT would manage to hold off the Sabres from tying the game in the final 38 seconds and earn a spot in the NACC championship in just their first year in the conference.

Freshman Amy Birner (4-5-1) made 15 saves and took the loss in goal for the Sabres.  Senior Danielle Deltgen closed out the game in goal saving both shots she faced.

The NACC Tournament semifinals appearance was the first for the Sabre women's soccer program since the 2013 season.

--FightBlueFight--