LEBANON, Ill - The Quincy University women's soccer team opened Great Lakes Valley Conference play in impressive fashion Sunday afternoon, rallying from an early deficit to defeat No. 22 McKendree University 2-1 at Leemon Field and secured their first victory of the 2026 season.
Playing its first conference match of the year on the road against a nationally ranked McKendree squad, Quincy found itself trailing 1-0 after the Bearcats' Maddie Mauch scored in the 12th minute. Rather than allowing the early setback to dictate the afternoon, the Hawks answered with a second-half surge led by sophomore forward Abbie Martin.
Martin delivered when Quincy needed her most, scoring twice in the opening minutes of the second half to completely flip the match in the Hawks' favor.
Just 21 seconds after the start of the second half, Martin found the back of the net at 45:21 to bring Quincy level at 1-1. Less than three minutes later, Martin struck again at 48:07, giving the Hawks a 2-1 advantage that they would hold for the remainder of the match.
The two-goal performance marked a standout afternoon for Martin, who finished with four shots and three shots on goal, putting constant pressure on the McKendree defense. Her second goal ultimately proved to be the game-winner as Quincy held off the Bearcats over the final 42 minutes.
The Hawks finished the match with 13 shots, including six on target, while McKendree also recorded 13 shots and six shots on goal. The even shot total reflected a tightly contested match, but Quincy made the most of its opportunities when it mattered most.
Goalkeeper Devin Tracy was also instrumental in protecting the lead. Tracy made five saves over 90 minutes, including several important stops as McKendree attempted to find an equalizer late in the match.
McKendree created its share of chances, particularly through forward Maddie Mauch. Mauch finished with a match-high eight shots and four shots on goal, scoring the Bearcat's lone goal in the first half. Tracy's five saves helped keep McKendree off the scoreboard after halftime.
The Hawks also received offensive contributions from Jessie Newton and Rebecca Rheinheimer, who each recorded four shots during the match. Newton put one shot on goal, while Rheinheimer added one shot on target. Tori Nelson also recorded a shot on goal off the bench.
After McKendree took the early lead, Quincy continued to battle and eventually turned the match completely around in the second half. The Hawks registered eight shots after halftime compared to five in the opening 45 minutes, showing their offensive push after the break.
The victory is especially significant for Quincy as it comes in the opening conference match of the season. The Hawks not only opened their GLVC schedule with a win, but did so against a ranked opponent and on the road.
Sunday's result also adds another memorable chapter to a competitive history between Quincy and McKendree. The Hawks entered the match looking to make their mark against the Bearcats after the two teams played to a scoreless draw in their most recent meeting in 2025.
This time, there would be no need for extra time or a scoreless finish.
Martin's quick-fire brace in the second half gave Quincy the breakthrough it had been looking for, while Tracy and the Hawk defense protected the one-goal advantage through the final whistle.
With its first win of the season and first conference victory now secured, Quincy returns home with plenty of momentum. The Hawks have opened GLVC play by knocking off a nationally ranked opponent, giving the team an early statement win as conference play gets underway. The Hawks will face the University of Indianapolis at home on Wednesday, September 9th, at 12:00 PM.
To view the complete 2026 schedule, click here.
