Millikin women’s soccer ties CCIW opener at Carthage

Kenosha, WI — Millikin University women's soccer took on its first College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin game of the 2026 season Saturday afternoon against the Carthage College Firebirds.

Carthage struck first in the first 30 minutes with an assisted goal to put the Firebirds ahead. Three minutes later, Hannah Daly from the Big Blue tied the game 1-1 off an assist from Caty Schmidt. This marked Daly's second goal and Schmidt's first assist of the season.

Entering the second half, goal leader Izzy Jones added another unassisted goal to put MU up 2-1, placing her at 10 goals on the season with 23 total points.

Not letting up, the Firebirds made their way past the defense with six minutes left in regulation to tie the game 2-2. With not much time to score, the conference opener ended in a tie; the Big Blue stand at 6-3-1 (0-1 CCIW) on the season.

Goalkeeper Jessica Bearley made 12 saves on Carthage's 15 shots on goal in 90 minutes of play. Bearley is now at 41 saves with a .719 save percentage over eight games.

The Big Blue welcome Wheaton College on Wednesday, September 30, for another College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin contest. First whistle is set for 7 p.m. at Frank M. Lindsay Field, also being streamed on the CCIW Network.