On Thursday, the Hawks travelled to Missouri to face Columbia College and Hannibal LaGrange in a double header. First up was 19th in the nation, Columbia College Cougars, where Illinois Tech had to overcome not only their opponents but a large vocal crowd as well.
After the break, both sides came out with the intent of taking the lead and both sides played free flowing football, both creating chances. IIT were the first to strike, as in the 59th minute, a deep cross found its way to Robert Ritchie-Smith in the box. Ritchie-Smith's shot on the turn wrong footed the keeper and gave the Hawks the lead. Though the Scarlett Hawks weren't able to hold their lead long. As 3 minutes later, the Cougars found space on the left wing, crossing the ball into Hutchinson, for the striker to notch his second goal of the game.
With half an hour left on the clock the game opened up with both sides creating chances and both keepers making crucial saves to keep their sides in the contest. In the 84th minute Barrett turned from scorer to provider as he played the ball through to Brendan Boucaud in space. Boucaud attacked the goal and his bent effort found its way through the keepers hands and into the net. The Hawks were in front with less than ten minutes left.
The final seven minutes seemed to take go on forever for Hawks fans as held on to their one goal lead. Some desperate defending and smart use of the ball from the Hawks made sure they came out of the game with a big win and head into Saturdays clash with Hannibal LaGrange full of confidence.