Sept. 5, 2008

Box Score

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Freshman forward Marissa Mykines notched her first collegiate goal and sophomore midfielder Cory Steigerwald added the game-winner as the No. 15 Illini (4-0) topped the Washington State Cougars (1-1-2) on Friday at the First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic. Illinois extended its winning-streak to four games, the best start for the Orange and Blue since 2004.

"The difference for us was the players that came off the bench," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "Marissa, Cory and Laura (Knutson) stepped up and had a great game tonight. That says a lot about our depth in the midfield and up front. We talked a lot about getting points off the bench and it's going to continue to be critical that they come in and produce."

After narrowly missing on an opportunity in the 29th minute, Mykines continued to press and made the most of her second chance just three minutes later. The Spokane, Wash., native one-timed a direct pass to the penalty spot from Knutson into the top right corner of the net for a 1-0 Illinois advantage.

"Marissa had a couple great chances against Missouri, so to put one away gives you a sense of confidence that you can score at this level," Rayfield said.

Senior forward Charlotte Cooke nearly added another goal in the first half, but her shot from the right side was forced wide of the net on a diving stop by Cougar goalkeeper Stephanie Phillips. Illinois took a 1-0 lead into the break.

Washington State capitalized on a counter-attack in the 56th minute that resulted in a penalty kick for the Cougars. Illinois goalkeeper Alexandra Kapicka collided with a Cougar player in an attempt to make a save, resulting in the yellow. WSU midfielder Mallory Fox converted for the equalizer.

Illinois regained the lead in the 66th minute on a blast into the lower right corner of the net off the foot of Steigerwald. After the ball ricocheted off several players in front of the goal, Steigerwald took control and fired a shot past a diving Phillips for the eventual game-winner, the second of her career.

The Illini conclude the weekend on Sunday against the hosting No. 20 Lady Vols. The two teams will square off at 1 p.m. (CT).