The Illini (13-5-2) are back in the big dance for the first time in 12 years. The team clinched a spot as a No. 10 seed in the NCAA tournament, where they’ll face off against the No. 7-seeded Memphis Tigers (16-0-3).
After Illinois lost in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals to Washington, head coach Katie Hultin and her squad were unsure if they would get the bid.
“It was a long week of just trying to figure out if we were going to be selected,” Hultin said. “I was feeling pretty hopeful when we walked into the room, and I think the whole team just had no idea. And so when your name gets called, that level of excitement is next level.”
The Illini had their best start in program history this fall, going 9-1-1 through their first 11 games of the season. Hultin made a clear impact in her first year as head coach. She is the only coach in Illinois history to win her first seven career games, and the only one to make the NCAA tournament in her first season.
Senior forward Sarah Foley and sophomore forward Cayla Jackson led Illini forwards this season. Each tied for the team lead in points (17). They also both made all-Big Ten teams, with Foley landing on the second team and Jackson on the third.
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In net, redshirt junior goalkeeper Izzy Lee anchored Illinois. Lee led the conference in saves (118) and was also named all-Big Ten alongside Foley and Jackson.
Tough draw
Memphis ended the season undefeated at 16-0-3, including a win against No. 1 seed Vanderbilt. Despite being the only undefeated team in Division I, Memphis slots in as the No. 7 seed.
“We know Memphis is going to be tough,” Hultin said. “We know Memphis is undefeated, but we’re not focused on that at all. We’re sticking to us and being focused on us and what we can continue to get better at.”
Hultin acknowledged that Memphis will be a tricky opponent, but believes that her team is ready for battle. She noted that she believes being a Big Ten team will be very beneficial for the Illini in the tournament, as they have had many games against very talented competition throughout the course of the season.
“I think if we can really just play our way, we’ll be alright,” Hultin said.
The Illini and Tigers will meet Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Billy J Murphy Complex in Memphis, Tennessee. The game is available to stream on ESPN+.
The winner will play the winner of No. 2 TCU and No.15 Grambling State on Nov. 20.
