East Chicago, IN - After a rough start to the season, the Eagles women's soccer team is starting to play well, and climbing back into the CCAC conference standings. 

Judson is also taking advantage in a possible soft spot in the schedule as they are in the midst of facing three of the bottom teams in the standings. On Saturday afternoon, the Eagles traveled to IU Northwest. 

Coming off of an excellent match, and wild finish earlier this week at St. Xavier, the Eagles came out fast against the Redhawks. Just 12 minutes into the contest, Isabella Garrelts found the net for her second goal of the season. That goal put JU up 1-0 and able to play with the lead. 

In the first half, that was the lone goal of the half that also saw Judson outshoot IU Northwest 13-8 heading into the break. 

For the second half, the Redhawks found themselves with a few more chances. They were the ones who won the shots battle 11-4 in half two. However, senior captain and goalie Eva Fernandez was up to the task and able to turn away any Redhawk chances. Fernandez was credited with six saves in the game with no shots getting past her. 

It was a welcomed sight to see Fernandez back in net for JU after a scary collision on Wednesday night. In the final minute of that game, Fernandez went out to meet an attacker, and the two colided leading to Fernandez leaving the game for a potential head injury. That game ended in a 0-0 tie, and a well-earned point for Judson. St. Xavier currently sits atop the conference standings, and prying a point away from them could be huge as the season goes on. 

While she did not score, Liza Von Blumenthal led the team with four shots on net. Clara Sonet and Garrelts added two each. 

With a scoreless second half, Judson closed out the 1-0 victory over IU Northwest. It is Judson's third straight shutout of an opponent. The Eagles now stand at 3-6-1 overall, and 2-3-1 in conference. After a slow start, now fully in conference play, JU is starting to put things together. 

Earning the win on the road at IU Northwest could also be important at season's end. Currently, Judson, IU NW, and Olivet all have 7 points in the standings, and sit in the 7th, 8th, and 9th spots in the standings. Having that head to head win, could be the difference of making the playoffs or not. 

Of course, still a ways to go before that is determined. 

Next week is a two match week for Judson. In the middle of that potential soft spot in the schedule, the games are against Calumet and Governors State, who are two of the current bottom four. A big week of points could be had for the Eagles which would fully push them up into contention in the CCAC. 

The first of those two matches is Tuesday at home versus Calumet.