ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Four days removed from their emotional GLVC quarterfinal win, the QU women's soccer team faced off with the fourth-ranked McKendree Bearcats on Friday night (April 23). The Hawks fell in the semifinal round, 1-0, despite a consistent attack that got off 15 shots in the game. 

The last time these two teams met, Quincy held the Bearcats scoreless inside Legends Stadium in a 1-0 win that saw the Hawks outshoot McKendree 13-8. 

Tonight's game was as even as a game can get, with the difference coming on a Bearcat goal in the 52nd minute. 

Quincy sent out a flurry of shots in a three-minute span during the opening half. In between the 14th and 17th minute, the Hawks threatened with four shots with two on the keeper. Maddie Bauer missed a shot off to the right in the 34th minute as QU went to the locker room in a scoreless tie at halftime. 

Sophia Bonaldi tried to stun the Bearcats out of the gates to start the second half. Bonaldi had a shot on goal in the first ten seconds, but it was saved. McKendree collected themselves in a hurry and delivered the game's lone goal less than seven minutes into the final half. 

The Hawks tried to go on the offensive the rest of the way and had a few ample chances. Riley Hayes sent one on goal that moved the keeper off her line, but the Hawks were kept off the scoreboard. QU's last chance almost was the game's equalizer. Lauren Crane was fed a cross into the box, and she settled it from inside 10 yards out. Crane's shot was on a line, but right at the keeper in which the Bearcats made the save to hold on for the win. 

Looking Ahead
Head coach Samuel Thomas has taken his team to the GLVC semifinals in his first year at the helm after the Hawks finished 6-10-1 in 2019. The soccer program graduated three seniors who were on the squad the last time QU was in the GLVC Tournament, but the majority of the team's core remains intact with fresh tournament experience under their belts.