PICTURED ABOVE: Anna Saunders tallied a goal and an assist off of corner kicks on Wednesday night.

Wheaton, Ill. – The Wheaton Thunder women's soccer team defeated Elmhurst 3-1 on Wednesday night at Joe Bean Stadium in a CCIW Women's Soccer Tournament Semifinal Match. Wheaton, the tournament's top seed improves to 12-4-3 on the year, while fourth-seed Elmhurst is now 10-6-1 overall.

Wheaton topped the Bluejays tonight thanks to three first-half goals. Madison Peebles (PICTURED LEFT) broke a scoreless tie in the 23^rd minute when she headed the ball into the net from a few yards off the goal thanks to a well-placed corner kick by Anna Saunders. Less than three minutes later, Saunders' corner kick curved into the opposite post and went in for Wheaton's second goal. Saunders' goal extended the Thunder lead to 2-0 in the 26^th minute. Chelsea Gnan headed the ball into the goal in the 31st minute thanks to an Isabelle Oliver assist.  Wheaton led the Bluejays 3-0 at the halftime intermission.

Elmhurst's Heather Hoffman scored on long looping shot from 20 yards out thanks to an Ali Richter assist in the 66^th minute. Hoffman's goal accounted for the 3-1 final score.

Kathryn McGregor played the first 45 minutes in the Thunder net, making one save with no goals allowed. Madison Lee played the final 45 minutes in the net with two saves and one goal allowed. Elmhurst netminder Bryce Marchetti made two saves and allowed three goals.  

Wheaton held a 14-9 advantage in shots in the match, including a 5-4 edge in shots on goal. Wheaton attempted eight corner kicks in the match and Elmhurst was awarded six.

The Thunder host No. 2 seed Illinois Wesleyan Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in the CCIW Tournament Championship Match. Illinois Wesleyan was a 2-1 victor against No. 3 seeded Carroll on Wednesday night in the tournament's other semifinal match. The winner of Saturday's championship will earn the CCIW's automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament.

Ticket prices for Saturday's CCIW Women's Soccer Tournament Match are $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors and youth/students. Children under five-years-old will be admitted free. Additionally, students with valid a CCIW school ID will be admitted free of charge.  As a CCIW Championship event, no CCIW parent passes; faculty/staff ID's, or Thunder season passes will be honored.