08/26/2026
In a pulse-pounding conference showdown that took every bit of grit, determination, and overtime drama, the Lady Kats rose victorious over the Marion Lady Giants on Tuesday night, securing a thrilling 6-5 win in penalty kicks following a breathless 4-4 regulation battle.
The match opened with intense, back-and-forth aggression as both squads traded relentless shots on goal. Marion drew first blood, but the Lady Kats answered almost immediately. Defender Izzy Riggs leveled the game with a spectacular, long-range free kick that found the back of the net.
When Marion was awarded a penalty kick to regain the lead, keeper Bella Steele set the tone for her heroic night by coming up with a clutch save to deny the attempt. Capitalizing on that momentum, Ana De Fazio finished off a brilliant build-up sequence featuring crisp team passing and precise ball control, burying an assist from Mattie Rayl. Marion managed to answer just before the break, sending both teams to halftime deadlocked at 2-2.
The Lady Kats carried their momentum into the second half when Gisella Herrea brought high-energy pressure up top, striking early to put the Kats ahead 3-2. Marion countered halfway through the period with a header off a corner kick, but Steele once again stood tall, denying yet another Marion PK attempt to keep the game tied.
With 12 minutes remaining, Marion slipped through the defense to take a 4-3 lead. Refusing to back down, the Lady Kats responded just two minutes later. Dania Blanchet delivered a picture-perfect corner kick that connected seamlessly with De Fazio’s head for her second goal of the night, knotting the score at 4-4.
Solid defensive play from Elaina Gibson and Jayonna Spratt kept the backline clean through a chaotic final ten minutes, sending the tight conference matchup into a penalty shootout.
Steele Seals the Win in Shootout
In an exhilarating PK shootout, Steele delivered a career-defining performance in goal, racking up three huge saves against Marion's shooters. Clutch conversions from De Fazio and Riggs gave the Lady Kats the edge they needed to seal the triumphant 6-5 victory.
The Lady Kats showed incredible heart and play-for-each-other toughness through all 80 minutes and beyond—proving that their continued trust in one another is paying off in big ways.
The Lady Kats are back at it at home against Northwestern on Thursday.
