East Peoria, Ill. - The Illinois Central College women's soccer team won the Region 24 title in decisive fashion as they defeated Wabash Valley 5-1 on Sunday afternoon at CougarPlex Field.  The title was the program's first ever region championship as the team continues to make program history with each win, improving their record to 16-0 and advancing to the district tournament for the first time.  

"We're super proud of the girls for winning the first ever region championship in school history," third year head coach Javi Valle said after celebrating with the team.  "We celebrate this moment, but turn the page right away to focus ourselves on the district tournament."

Paula Gallardo and Meritxell Mena Borrull each scored two goals and Melia La added another for ICC, who held a 4-0 lead midway through the second half.

Gallardo was named the Region 24 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season while Valle earned Region Coach of the Year honors for the first time in his young coaching career.   

Next up:  The Cougars will advance to the District Tournament on Saturday, November 5 where they will play Iowa Western at 2pm in Council Bluffs, IA with the winner advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament. 

Iowa Western is 14-3-1 overall and has won their last 13 games in a row, including a 4-0 win over Indian Hills in the Region Championship on October 30.  The Reivers were ranked #8 in the final poll while the Cougars were at #16 and are on a 16-game winning streak.