Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College women's soccer team secured a 5-1 victory over Monmouth College in a Midwest Conference match held Tuesday at Peacock Memorial Athletic Park in Monmouth, Illinois. The win improved Illinois College's record to 9-6-2 overall and 5-1-0 in conference play, while Monmouth fell to 6-5-2 overall and 2-2-1 in the conference.

Monmouth took an early lead with a goal just over 23 minutes into the match. Illinois College responded late in the first half when Olivia Hulsey scored off an assist from Abbi Renwick, tying the game at one heading into halftime.

In the second half, Illinois College dominated by scoring four unanswered goals. Katy Adler gave the Lady Blues the lead less than a minute into the period, marking her ninth goal of the season, assisted by Abby Love. Holly Morehart added another goal four minutes later, assisted by Adler.

Aliza Rodriguez scored twice in the final 20 minutes to secure the win for Illinois College. Her first goal came at the 70:58 mark with an assist from Adler, and her second was unassisted at 89:22.

Illinois College outshot Monmouth 24 to 15. Adler led the team with five shots, followed by Lexi Van Dyke with four and Olivia Ralston with three. Goalkeeper Stella Gonzalez played the entire match and made nine saves.

According to program records, this is Illinois College's best start in Midwest Conference play at 5-1-0. The team's five conference wins tie the school record set in 1994 and matched in 2016. The nine overall wins are also the third-highest total in program history. Adler's nine goals rank sixth for a single season at Illinois College, while her seven assists and 25 points are both tied for third place on the school's single-season lists.

Illinois College will continue its road schedule this weekend, traveling to Grinnell for another Midwest Conference match on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.