QUINCY, Ill. – The Quincy women's soccer team took down McKendree University, 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. The Bearcats entered the contest unbeaten and the lone goal of the game was scored by Alaina Nasello. 

During the first half, both teams battled for position and possession. The attack of Quincy was fearless as they outshot the Bearcats 7-4 with two shots on goal. The break through came at the 33:50 mark as Claire Macy made a downfield pass to a sprinting Alaina Nasello. Nasello and the McKendree keeper met just outside the 18-yard box, and the ball squeaked past during the collision into the net. 

McKendree entered the contest posting three straight shutouts, and Nasello's goal was her first of the season which came at a pivotal moment. 

In the second half, the defensive pressure was persistent for the Hawks. Emilee Autry had two impressive saves in a two-minute span as she stretched out falling to her right side to deflect a Bearcat strike just outside of left-corner box then climbed the ladder for a leaping save near the crossbar to keep McKendree out of the scoring column.

From that point on, Quincy had two more shots on goal. Lauren Crane had a strike with four minutes remaining, but it missed outside the left post.  Moments later, Claire Macy hit a diving Grace Hilbing as her header extended over the top of the cross bar.

It did not matter as one goal was enough. Quincy held on and defeated McKendree University 1-0 in a signature win for first year coach Samuel Thomas.

Stat Leaders
Alaina Nasello – Goal (1)
Emilee Autry – 4 saves
Claire Macy – assist
Grace Hilbing – 4 shots

The Hawks return to action next weekend in a road trip to Southern Indiana Friday (Mar. 12) at 2;30 p.m. followed by a matchup with the University of Indianapolis on Sunday (Mar. 14).