Oct. 28, 2001

Final Stats

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The Fighting Illini women's soccer team completed the regular season home schedule today, shutting out Illinois State, 1-0, on a cold, windy day at the Illini Soccer and Track Stadium. The Illini improved to 9-6-1 overall.

On Senior Day, senior Colleen Joyce knocked in the lone goal of the game. At the 51:54 mark, Joyce found the back of the net off an assist from Tiffani Walker. It was Joyce's' second game winning goal in as many games, as she scored the first two Illinois goals in the Illini's 4-1 win over Iowa on Friday.

Both teams battled throughout the day, going into halftime with the contest scoreless. The battle continued through the second period, but the Illini continued to create chances and fire the tough shots. Illinois outshot Illinois State by a 23-10 margin, outshooting the Redbirds 15-1 in the final period. Seven of the Illini's shots were on goal, while freshman goalkeeper Leisha Alcia stopped all three Illinois State shots on goal for her third career shutout.

"It was a big win, but the biggest thing to come out of this weekend was that we executed what we have worked on in practice. We were disciplined and organized, and we worked together as a team," head coach Tricia Taliaferro said. "There was a lot of emotion with it being Senior Day. That was motivation for us. Overall it was a good weekend."

The Illini travel to Northern Illinois for the final contest of the regular season Friday at 3 p.m. They will then prepare to travel to Purdue for the Big Ten Tournament. Illinois opens the conference tournament with a rematch against Iowa at 12:45 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 8 in West Lafayette, Ind.