EAST CHICAGO, Ind. — IU Northwest women's soccer showcased its young talent in the 2025 home opener, as two freshmen netted their first collegiate goals to help the Redhawks battle back for a 2-2 draw against Lawrence Tech on Saturday afternoon at East Chicago Central High School.

The Redhawks (0-0-1) trailed 2-0 after Presley Jones scored in the 18th minute and Abigail Gray added another in the 57th for Lawrence Tech. But IU Northwest's freshmen provided the spark late.

In the 73rd minute, freshman forward Piper Ellenberger opened her collegiate account, finishing a cross from classmate Alanis Gonzalez that rattled off the crossbar. Just eight minutes later, fellow freshman Gabby Maldonado buried the equalizer, slotting home a pass from Daisy Bonilla in the 81st minute to bring the Redhawks level.

Senior goalkeeper Isabel Escalera also had a standout performance, recording nine saves to keep IU Northwest within reach throughout the match.

The Redhawks return to the pitch Tuesday, Aug. 26, for their first road test of the season, traveling to Kokomo, Ind., to face IU Kokomo at 6 p.m.