CHICAGO - The UIC women's soccer team (3-15-0, 1-7-0) earned its first-ever Horizon League victory on Friday night at home against Youngstown State (7-8-2, 3-4-1) by a final of 1-0 as the Flames concluded their inaugural season. Freshman Jessica Belsito clinched the game-winner and her first goal of the season at the 52:05 mark of the second half.

"It was great to end the season on such a high note," head coach Brian Rigby said. "The girls worked very hard this season and improved tremendously since day one. This is a fantastic group and I know we will be much more competitive next season."

UIC battled tooth and nail with the Penguins, but ended up on top in their third victory and shutout of the season. The Flames had eight of their 11 shots reach goal, while YSU had six of its 13 shots reach goal.

Freshman keeper Kelly Fritz ends her freshman campaign ranking first in the Horizon League with 118 saves as she added six against the Penguins. Sophomore Katie Montgomery got the start for Youngstown State and was handed her second loss of the season.

Freshman Emily Wauer recorded a season-high four shot attempts against the Penguins, and will end the season leading the Flames in shots on goal with 16. Freshman Kendall Wilde also earned two shots on goal, while freshmen Samantha Messina, Sydney Wright, Mackenzie Fuller and sophomore Jasmin Carrera each earned a shot for UIC.

The Flames showed great defensive improvement this season, from allowing 3.22 goals per game in the first half of the season to 1.33 in their last nine games. UIC was within one point of its opponents in six of their 15 losses, five of which came in the second half of the season.