KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fighting Illini senior Katie Murray and junior Alicia Barker were honored by the United Soccer Coaches Association on Monday, as the organization announced its 2018 Division I All-Region Teams.  Murray was named to the All-North Region Second Team, and Barker earned Third Team honors. The pair of Illini was also recognized by the Big Ten Conference this season, earning All-Big Ten Second Team recognition.

"I am excited for both Alicia and Katie as this recognition is so well deserved for them individually and for this team," head coach Janet Rayfield said. "As athletes, as students, as teammates and as leaders, Alicia and Katie were both integral in the growth of our team and our program this season.  Their example drove the people around them to be better and they would be the first to credit those teammates with a piece of this recognition." 

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Murray led Illinois in goals and points this season, netting eight goals on the year while racking up 20 points. A staple in the Illinois midfield, Murray also added four assists on the year. She scored two game-winning goals during the season, helping Illinois to a 1-0 victory over Michigan State and a 3-1 win over Purdue. Murray was a standout in Illinois' 8-0 victory over Northern Illinois, as she tallied six points by carding two goals and two assists, and also posted the assist on the game-tying goal in Illinois' Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal match at Wisconsin. Murray fired 35 shots on the year and put 21 of those on goal.

An anchor on the Illini defense this season, Barker earned the start in all 20 of Illinois' games on the year and played the full time in 18 matches. A native of Woodinville, Washington, Barker remains a calm but strong presence on Illinois' back line. She helped Illinois to seven shutouts on the year and an 11-8-1 record overall.

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