LEBANON, Ill. – Maryville University hoisted its first Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Women's Soccer Championship trophy on Sunday, defeating fifth-seeded University of Illinois Springfield, 2-1, at Leemon Field in Lebanon, Ill.
From the eighth pick in the 2022 GLVC Preseason Poll to the top of the pack in the postseason, Maryville concluded the GLVC portion of its schedule in historic fashion by going unbeaten against league foes and claiming the program’s first Conference title since joining the league in 2008.
The third-seeded Saints got on the board first in the 22nd minute on a set piece, as Madison Canoy subbed into the game to take a corner kick that she curved toward goal and snuck into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
The second half started with a bang, as Maryville’s Lexi Gentry launched a long shot less than three minutes in that slipped through the hands of the Illinois Springfield goalie for a 2-0 advantage.
UIS wasn’t going away quietly, though, getting several opportunities to come within a goal, which finally came in the 62nd minute off a well-placed free kick from Emily Tully that was flicked in by the head of Abby Dellamorte.
A few more dangerous chances for the Prairie Stars came late, but they were never able to find the equalizer.
With the win, Maryville (11-2-6) earned the league's automatic qualifying bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament, which will be their first-ever trip to the Midwest Regional. The Saints will find out their opponent on Monday night's NCAA Selection Show at 7 PM ET.
For more information on the 2022 GLVC Women's Soccer Championship Tournament, visit the championship homepage at
GLVCsports.com/2022wsoc.