Sept. 10, 2004

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A solid defensive backfield combined with a spark off the bench earned the Illini their third shutout of the season against Wright State. Seniors Tara Hurless and Alaree Gunville each tallied goals as the Illini dominated the Raiders in their opening game of the "Clash of the Conferences" tournament, hosted by Purdue University.

"Today the defensive backfield really played a good game," said Head Coach Janet Rayfield. "Our defenders really fought to keep the game in our control and worked to create opportunities for our frontrunners."

The Illini came out strong, firing five shots in the first twenty minutes, including a shot by Hurless off an assist by senior Andrea Ridgeway that got the Illini on the board at the 19:34 mark. Wright State also turned in a solid defensive performance, keeping Illinois from scoring until the 56:53 mark when Gunville recorded her second career goal off a penalty kick. The Raider defense, led by goalkeeper Steph Comisar, combined for nine saves on the night, two of which being team efforts.

In addition to a solid defensive performance, the Illini once again got a spark off the bench, nearly matching the Illini starters in shots, firing eight of a team total of 17.

"Our bench has really displayed their capability to have a powerful impact in each and every game," Rayfield said. "The ability to virtually match the starters in shots really shows the balanced attack this team brings to every match."

Up next: The Illini are set to wrap up play in the "Clash of the Conferences" tournament against the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks Sunday at 1 p.m. in West Lafayette, Ind. before returning home for an afternoon match-up against #21 Kansas Tuesday, Sept. 14 at noon.