Sept. 7, 2008

Box Score

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The No. 15 Illinois soccer team (4-1) came up short against the No. 20 Tennessee Lady Vols (2-3), falling 1-0 on Sunday afternoon in the final match of the First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic. Illini goalkeeper Alexandra Kapicka and midfielder Jackie Santacaterina earned all-tournament honors for their outstanding play over the weekend.

"Even though it goes in the loss column, it was a step forward because we were better in certain areas today than we have been," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "Cory (Steigerwald), Jackie (Santacaterina) and Danielle (Kot) were so dominant in the air. We competed extremely hard and showed we have the ability to battle with any team in the air. We did some things better defensively, too. It was probably our best game of the season so far."

Seeking its first home win of the season, Tennessee pushed the tempo early. The Lady Vols fired a pair of shots on goal within the first 10 minutes, but Kapicka made a couple of impressive stops to keep the score even. Kapicka finished the day with four saves.

The Illini responded later in the first half, creating a couple of chances of their own, but were unable to capitalize as the two teams were scoreless at the break. Senior midfielder Marti Desjarlais led Illinois offensively, with four shots, including two on frame.

"I thought both teams were even in the sense of chances created, because we were both able to create some great opportunities, but we just couldn't capitalize," Rayfield said. "We were dangerous offensively, but we didn't finish the job."

The seesaw affair continued into the second half until Tennessee defender Julie Edwards broke up the draw in the 60th minute. Edwards took a pass from UT defender Grace Cuenin outside the top of the box and fired a shot from 25 yards for the eventual game-winning goal.

Illinois finished the match with nine shots, including two shots on goal. The two teams were even with three corners apiece.

The Illini continue their road stint next weekend, traveling to No. 23 Florida and the University of Central Florida. The Orange and Blue will take on the Gators Friday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. (CT) before rounding out the weekend against UCF at 11 a.m. (CT) on Sunday, Sept. 14.