LIVONIA, Mich- In a pivotal conference game on October 1, 2025, the Madonna Crusaders triumphed over the Indiana Tech Warriors with a final score of 2-1. The sunny afternoon at Livonia, Mich., set the stage for what turned out to be a closely contested match. The Crusaders, under the vigilance of goalkeeper Araya Shulaw, managed to maintain a slight edge throughout the game.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

The match kicked off with aggressive play from both teams, but it was Madonna's Marlena Ballnik who broke the deadlock with a penalty kick at 24:03, giving the Crusaders a 1-0 lead. Despite several attempts by both sides to alter the scoreboard, the first half ended with Madonna maintaining their lead.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Indiana Tech team as Jordan Kallet managed to equalize the score at 51:31. The game intensified with back-and-forth action, challenging both teams' defenses. Carly Roth and Sara Cogoli were notable for their contributions, with Roth providing a crucial assist and Cogoli making key saves, ensuring the Crusaders stayed competitive.

As the match neared its conclusion, tension escalated until Nadine Jawad scored the winning goal for Madonna at 89:13, assisted by Carly Roth. This goal sealed the victory for the Crusaders and was celebrated as a significant achievement, especially considering the tightly contested nature of the game.

UP NEXT:

Looking ahead, the Crusaders will next face Rochester Christian on October 4, 2025, in Rochester, Mich. They carry a current record of 5-5-1 overall and 3-1-0 in the conference, looking to continue their momentum in the ongoing season.