CHICAGO – The University of Chicago women's soccer team cruised to a 2-0 victory over Wheaton College in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Division III Championship on Saturday.

The women improve to an overall record of 14-2-4 on the season. The No. 16-ranked Maroons have made 20 NCAA postseason appearances in program history, including eight since 2013. 

"We are ecstatic about today's win," Head Coach Amy Reifert said. "Getting to the round of sixteen is never guaranteed, it just isn't easy. And sometimes as the higher seed, it's even harder. We knew Wheaton would be good and nothing in soccer is given."

Eight minutes into the first half, first-year Stella El-Fishawy deposited the ball into the back of the net off a corner kick by senior Adriana Shutler, giving the Maroons a 1-0 lead over the Thunder. It was El-Fishawy's sixth goal this season.

First-year Josie Majowka gave the Maroons the second goal in the match halfway through the first half to insure the lead over the Thunder. El-Fishaway assisted with a centering pass to the front of the goal. Majowka now has six goals on the season as well.

UChicago was tough on Wheaton's net, outshooting Wheaton 6-1 in the first half and 8-6 in the second. 

The Maroons have waited two years to claim their spot in the round of 16 after losing to Pomona-Pitzer in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. This is the fifth time the Maroons have made the round of 16 since 2014. 

"It feels like an opportunity to use everything we have been working on for two years," said senior co-captain Emma Smith. "We've trained through COVID, and it was fun but really difficult to not be playing against any other teams. Every game I feel like we get better and every training we come ready to move forward and make it to the national championship."

Senior goalkeeper Miranda Malone registered the clean sheet with one save in 90 minutes.

NEXT GAME:

• Saturday, Nov. 20 - UChicago vs. Case Western Reserve University (NCAA Round of 16 - Location TBD)