GARY, Ind. – Postseason soccer has arrived at IU Northwest as the No. 2-seeded RedHawks led by Head Coach
Jamie McNicholas host No. 7-seeded Viterbo University in the quarterfinal round of the CCAC Women's Soccer Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. CST at East Chicago Central High School.
The RedHawks enter tournament play following the best regular seasons in program history, posting a 12-4-2 overall record and an 8-1-1 mark in conference play while outscoring opponents 58-21 with an impressive eight shutouts. IU Northwest earned the tournament's No. 2 seed and will look to continue its impressive run as it pursues a conference championship.
IU Northwest's offense has been one of the most dangerous in the conference, averaging 3.22 goals per match and leading the league in several offensive categories. Senior forward
Mari Williams leads the RedHawks with 20 goals, five assists, and 45 points while also recording three game-winning goals.
Maya Maldonado has provided a dynamic second scoring option with 14 goals, seven assists, and 35 points.
The supporting cast has played a major role in the RedHawks' success.
Isabella Soria and
Piper Ellenberger have each contributed five goals. Midfielder
Ava Haluska leads the team with eight assists, helping orchestrate an attack that has produced 49 assists on 58 goals this season.
Hannah Pesich has chipped in two goals and four assists, while veterans
Erin Harrison,
Daisy Bonilla, and
Alanis Gonzalez have all provided valuable offensive contributions throughout the year.
Defensively, the RedHawks have been anchored by seniors
Gianna Witte and
Marisa Paredes, while goalkeeper
Kaleigh Blatti has posted a 1.06 goals-against average and 57 saves. IU Northwest has limited opponents to just 10.2 shots per game and enters the postseason with confidence on both sides of the ball.
Viterbo (7-11 overall / 4-6 CCAC) enters the tournament as the No. 7 seed led by sophomore forward Brynlee Kelly who has recorded 6 goals and 3 assists this season and was the named CCAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2025. The V-Hawks are looking to pull off an upset. They average 2.71 goals per contest while 1.86 goals against. but The RedHawks will have the advantage of playing on their home field, where they are 6-2-1 this season and have enjoyed strong support throughout the year. With a berth in the CCAC Tournament Semifinals on the line, IU Northwest will look to continue its historic season and advance in the conference tournament.
Match Information
- Match: No. 7 Viterbo at No. 2 IU Northwest
- Event: CCAC Women's Soccer Tournament Quarterfinals
- Location: East Chicago Central High School Soccer Field, East Chicago, Indiana
- Admission: General Admission $10; Seniors and children 12 and under are $5
- IU Northwest students, faculty, and staff: Free with Crimson Card
- Video Broadcast: https://www.heartlandsportsnet.com/iun.html?B=4736252
The winner will advance to the CCAC Women's Soccer Tournament Semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 7, continuing its quest for a conference championship and an automatic berth in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round.
Quarterfinal Matchups
- No. 8 IU South Bend at No. 1 Olivet Nazarene
- No. 7 Viterbo at No. 2 IU Northwest
- No. 6 Holy Cross at No. 3 Saint Francis (Ill.)
- No. 5 Judson at No. 4 Saint Xavier
