QUINCY, IL – This Friday (Mar. 14), the Quincy Hawks faced off against the Skyhawks of Fort Lewis College. After securing a win against the William Jewell Cardinals, the Skyhawks were eager to add another victory to their record. However, the Hawks crushed that ambition with a strong18-5 win.
The Hawks wasted no time in the first quarter, piling up stats with nine goals on 11 shots, six draw controls, and eight ground balls. Anni Moran set the tone, scoring just two minutes into the game. Thirty seconds later, Amelia Ham found the back of the net following a draw control by Emily Leal, who was also the next Hawk to capitalize. Alaina Wilkinson then added another goal off a crease roll, and Ham struck again just minutes later. The Skyhawks managed to get on the board 11 minutes into the game after a long defensive possession, but Leal, Ham, and Wilkinson quickly responded. Leal converted off a feed from Wilkinson at X, followed by Wilkinson scoring off a pass from Ham at the elbow. Moments later, Moran won a draw control, allowing Leal to drive into the eight-meter arc and bury another shot. With under a minute left, Ham drew a foul and capitalized on the free-position shot, closing the first quarter with a commanding 9-1 lead.
The second quarter was brief but eventful. The Skyhawks took advantage of a man-up opportunity and scored, later adding another goal off a rebound. Frustrated by the opposition's momentum, Ham took matters into her own hands, rifling a free-position shot into the net. Moran followed up with two quick goals, one off the draw and another assisted by MaryGrace Cummings, bringing the halftime score to 12-3.
The Hawks came out firing in the third quarter. Ham started the scoring with another free-position goal, followed by Moran launching a bullet into the net off a feed from Leal. Though the Skyhawks managed to score again, their momentum was short-lived. The Hawks responded with a seamless play starting from the defensive end—Madison Whiting Wagner made two key saves, initiating a clear. Mikenna Ham advanced the ball past the restraining line and found Wilkinson, who drew a foul and converted from the free-position spot.
The final quarter opened with Moran capitalizing on a man-up opportunity. The Skyhawks managed one last goal off a full-field press, but the Hawks weren't finished. Leal carried the ball upfield on a clear and found Ham, who was unstoppable in front of the net. Wilkinson put the final stamp on the game, scoring with just a minute left.
Four different Hawks found the back of the net in this matchup: Ham led with six goals, followed by Moran with five, Wilkinson with four, and Leal with three. Leal also led in assists with three, while Ham, Wilkinson, and Cummings each added one. Mikenna Ham and Leal both secured three draw controls, with Moran adding two. In goal, Whiting Wagner was a wall, making 12 saves and finishing with an impressive .706 save percentage.
The Hawks will be back in action this Sunday (Mar. 16) at 12:00 P.M. CDT, as they take on the Golden Bears from Concordia University, St. Paul.
