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Indiana Begins Three-Game Homestand with Illinois on Saturday
3/12/2021 8:51:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Indiana Women's Soccer will begin their three-game homestand with Illinois on Saturday, March 13 at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET with the match set to air on Big Ten Network+.
CREDENTIALS
If you are planning on requesting a credential, please let me know by 5 p.m. today, Friday, March 12.
SCOUTING THE FIGHTING ILLINI
The Fighting Illini improved to 2-2-1 on the season after a 0-0 draw with Minnesota on Thursday, March 6. Illinois' goalkeeper Sami Sample recorded nine saves against the Gophers in 110 minutes played. Junior Makena Silber had the only shot on goal for the Illini in the second minute of the game. Illinois is under the direction of Janet Rayfield who is in her 19th season as head coach. In 2019, she led the Illini to a 9-8-1 record, winning seven out of their first eight games. Rayfield has guided Illinois to the NCAA tournament 10 times and has over 200 overall wins. The Fighting Illini lead the series 13-7-1 against the Hoosiers. However, Indiana took the last meeting in Champaign, Ill., 1-0, on Oct. 3, 2019.
LAST TIME OUT
On Sunday, March 7 a brace by freshman Jen Blitchok led No. 24 Indiana women's soccer past Maryland at Ludwig Field in College Park, Md., 3-2. Blitchok first found the net in the 13th minute after she stole the ball 15-yards out from the Terps goalkeeper. Maryland responded in the 20th minute to tie the game, 1-1. Sophomore Alaina Kalin netted a goal in the 56th minute on what looked like a cross that was tipped by the goalkeeper and sent it soaring into the far-right post to gain a 2-1 lead. Maryland found the net again off a cross to the middle of the box. However, IU responded quickly as they earned a corner kick in the 83rd minute where Blitchok headed it in. Oliwia Wos earned her second assist after her cross found the head of Blitchok who sent it flying into the near post for the gamewinner.
NEW HOOSIERS HAVE IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Indiana women's soccer welcomed six new freshmen to Hoosier Nation. Four freshmen have earned starts in the first five games of the season - Anna Aehling, Anna Bennett, Gabi Rennie and Jen Blitchok. Sofia Black and Zoe Tiger have also provided great minutes off the bench for the Hoosiers. Bennett and Aehling are the only two freshmen who have started in all five of IU's games this season. Bennett, Aehling earned their first career point after dishing out assists.
Freshman forward Jen Blitchok recorded her first points after netting a brace in Indiana's 3-2 victory over Maryland on March 7. She is the second Hoosier to earn a brace this season. Senior Melanie Forbes also scored a pair of goals against Iowa on Feb. 28.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Consistent with IU Athletics' ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of students, coaches, staff, spectators and the local community, women's soccer matches will be played without fans indefinitely. IU Athletics' decision is in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and is consistent with what has transpired on all Big Ten campuses.
@IndianaWSOC
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