Wheaton, Ill. – The Thunder women's soccer team earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Illinois Wesleyan (16-4) on Saturday night in the CCIW Women's Soccer Tournament Championship Match at Joe Bean Stadium. Wheaton (13-4-3) is ranked 23^rd in the most recent United Soccer Coaches poll, while Illinois Wesleyan is 24^th in the same poll. This year's tournament championship marks Wheaton's 13th CCIW Women's Soccer Tournament title.

Thunder freshman Isabelle Oliver (PICTURED LEFT) gave Wheaton its 1-0 lead early in the match. Wheaton's scoring leader blasted an arcing shot past IWU goalkeeper Kelly McCarthy from 20-yards out. The lengthy shot went in at the opposite post in the upper left corner of the goal. The go-ahead goal, assisted by Carney Blake, came just 13:41 into the match. Wheaton held a 7-1 advantage in shots in the first half; and led the Titans 1-0 at the halftime intermissions.

Illinois Wesleyan gained a 5-2 advantage in shots in the second half. However, the Titans just had two quality scoring opportunities in the half as Thunder goalkeeper Kathryn McGregor made two strong saves to preserve the shutout.

McGregor (PICTURED RIGHT) made two saves in her 90 minutes of work in the match. Kelli McCarthy made five saves in the Titans' net, allowing one goal.

Wheaton attempted nine shots in the match, including six shots on goal. IWU had six shot attempts, including two shots on goal. Wheaton was awarded four corner kicks in the match and Illinois Wesleyan had two corner kick attempts.

Wheaton's victory tonight earns the Thunder the CCIW's automatic bid to the 2017 NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament. The NCAA will announce tournament selections and sites Monday at 12:00 p.m. (CST) in an online selection show on ncaa.com.