URBANA, Ill. Mere seconds before hearing their name called, the Fighting Illini were unsure if their season had come to an end following the 2-0 loss against Washington in the Big Ten Tournament. Now, after the relief of hearing the announcement, No. 10 Illinois will face No. 7 Memphis in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night.
Its Illinois first berth since 2013.
It was just a long week of trying to figure out if we were going to be selected, said head coach Katie Hultin. When your name gets called, that level of excitement is next level. I think we feel like we belong.
Illinois, currently 13-5-2, had an explosive 7-0-1 start to their season, setting a record for best start in program history.
Making her debut as head coach this season, Hultin has been implementing the importance of confidence in her players. Regardless of the outcome of the tournament, she hopes the team walks away with higher confidence and belief in themselves.
We talk about how confidence is from past experiences and preparation. And this is going to be an experience that will give them confidence in the future for sure, Hultin said.
Confidence isnt the only thing to thank for the success of the Illini thus far. They also have goalie Izzy Lee to thank.
Inching closer to the end of her senior year, Lee had been a brick wall throughout the season, with a whopping 118 saves, only allowing 19 goals.
Memphis had been more successful compared to Illinois in goals, with 51 goals to the Illinis 29.
[Were focused on] where we can take advantage of some of their weaknesses, not necessarily worried about them and their style, Hultin said. If we can just play our way, well be alright, and that helps with our confidence too.