GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kelly Hitchcock scored from the top of the box in the 62nd minute to lead Illinois Institute of Technology to a 1-0 victory over Grove City (Pa.) College in an NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship first-round match at Calvin University's Zuidema Field.

This was the first-ever meeting between Illinois Tech and the Wolverines in women's soccer.

The Scarlet Hawks (20-1-1) advance to face regional host Calvin University on Saturday at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The Knights (15-4-0) advanced with a 1-0 win over Penn State Behrend to stretch their winning streak to 12 consecutive matches.

The first half began with Illinois Tech showing offensive intent. Eva Narvarte and Hitchcock each tested Grove City goalkeeper Maddie Mills early with shots on target. Despite Illinois Tech's efforts to break the deadlock, Mills proved resilient in goal, denying several attempts, including a late strike by Taylor Hernandez.

The Scarlet Hawks controlled much of the play in the opening half behind multiple corner kicks. Grace Yager narrowly missed a goal in the 22nd minute as her shot hit the crossbar.

Illinois Tech maintained pressure in the second half, finally breaking through on Hitchcock's blast from the top of the box. Yager was credited with an assist on the play. Now working with a lead, the Scarlet Hawks continued to dictate pace on the strength of multiple attacking opportunities. Kayla Smith nearly made it 2-0, but saw her shot saved by Mills.

Defensively, Illinois Tech effectively managed Grove City's advances, with Kayla Hampton making a key save in the second half.

Illinois Tech outshot Grove City, 16-3, overall and held a 9-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Scarlet Hawks also held a 9-4 edge in corner kicks.

The Scarlet Hawks were led by three shots each from Smith and Yager, while Hitchcock, Hernandes, and Gabriella Baltes had two apiece. Smith, Hitchcock, and Hernandez were all credited with two shots on goal each.

Tori Stevenson, Hannah Plunkard, and Emily Horst were each credited with a shot for Grove City (13-5-2), while Mills was credited with six saves.