DiBernardo named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of Week
By: Matt Wettersten
Updated: October 29, 2012
U of I Sports Information:
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University
of Illinois junior Vanessa DiBernardo claimed her second player of the
week (POTW) honors after recording five points on two goals and one
assist, in a 2-1 win at No.
24 Michigan. Therefore, DiBernardo once again claimed the Big Ten
Co-Offensive player of the week, previously acknowledged Oct. 8 for her
hat-trick performance in the win over Michigan State. The Naperville
native also garnered Top Drawer Soccer's Team of the
Week honors along with College Sports Madness' Big Ten POTW.
Down 2-0 in the
second half, DiBernardo got the Illini back in the game in the
62nd-minute when she stole possession from the Wolverines and released a
left-footed shot from the top of the box that found
the back of the net. Vanessa then spearheaded the equalizer, setting up
Niki Read's goal in the 84th-minute. In overtime, freshman Nicole Breece
set the stage when she drew a foul in Michigan's box. DiBernardo then
clinched the game with a successful penalty
kick.
The victory was
the first ever for the Orange and Blue in Ann Arbor as the Illini also
handed Michigan their first home loss on the year. In addition, it was
the first win this season for Illinois over
a ranked opponent.
DiBernardo has
eight goals, including two game-winners, through 11 games, which have
been all conference matches. Therefore, Vanessa has now tied Tara
Hurless (2001-04) for most career goals scored in Big
Ten play only, with 20. She surpassed Hurless (48 pts, 141 shots) this
weekend for the top spot in career points and career shots in conference
play, now with 50 and 151 respectively.
The Fighting
Illini enter the Big Ten Tournament Wednesday morning just as their name
suggests, 'fighting.' The Orange and Blue are enjoying a two-game win
streak in which they produced seven total goals.
Illinois will clash with Minnesota in the opening round Oct. 31 in
Bloomington, Ind. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. CT.
