QUINCY, Ill. – The Quincy University women's soccer team opened the 2026 season Thursday evening at Legends Stadium, battling Purdue Northwest to a 1-1 draw in the Hawks' season opener.
As the new school year begins, so does women's soccer for Quincy. The Hawks went into the game looking to even the score after falling to Purdue Northwest last season during their first-ever meeting.
In the first half, Purdue Northwest opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Following a corner kick, Natasha Tanner found the back of the net at the 17:40 mark to give the Lions an early 1-0 lead. Quincy responded with several opportunities as the half progressed. Erin Kretzer, making her collegiate debut, recorded two shots during the opening half, while Jessie Newton added a pair of attempts. Emma Tell also forced a save from Purdue Northwest goalkeeper Meta Fischer.
Despite the offensive pressure, the Hawks were unable to find an equalizer before halftime and entered the break trailing 1-0.
Rolling into the second half, Quincy came out of the break looking to level the match and continued to generate opportunities on the offense. The Hawks finally broke through in the 70th minute when Rebecca Rheinheimer scored at 70:19 to bring Quincy level at 1-1. The goal was Rheinheimer's first of the new season and gave the Hawks the momentum they needed heading into the final 20 minutes.
Quincy continued to push for the go-ahead goal late in the match. Rheinheimer had another shot in the 74th minute and forced a save in the 84th minute, while the Hawks also earned a few corner kicks during the final 10 minutes. Neither team was able to find the decisive goal, however, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The season opener marked the collegiate debut of Quincy freshman Aubrey Eagan who started the game and contributed a strong performance which laid the foundation to becoming a key player for Quincy. Kretzer also showed her composure on the field as she begins her career with the Hawks and builds confidence to become a young leader.
Rheinheimer led the Hawks' attack with three shots, including two on goal, while Newton recorded a team-high four shots. Gracie Vierra also contributed with a shot on target.
In goal, Devin Tracy played all 90 minutes and made several saves for Quincy. Both Purdue Northwest and Quincy worked the keepers with every attempted shot, but ultimately finished with one goal each. The draw gives Quincy a 0-0-1 record to begin the 2026 season.
With plenty of promising moments from the season opener, there is much to look forward to as Quincy prepares for the next match. The Hawks will remain at home for their second match of the season as they welcome Davenport University to Legends Stadium on Saturday, August 29th for a 2:30 PM start time.
To view the 2026 schedule, click here.
