9/22-Big Ten honors UI goalkeeper

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois junior goalkeeper Alexandra Kapicka was named Co-Big Ten Player of the Week after producing back-to-back shutouts over two previously undefeated teams in Colorado College and Washington. It is the first weekly honor for Kapicka, who earned the co-award with Minnesota’s Kelsey Hood, and the second for an Illini this season, along with senior defender Jamie Alvis. Kapicka notched a career-high six saves against Washington in Illinois’ 3-0 victory over the Huskies. The Arlington Heights, Ill., native was outstanding between the posts, making several impressive stops against Washington’s attack in the second half to preserve the shutout on Sunday. Kapicka also had a stop against Colorado College in the 2-0 win on Friday, bringing the Illini’s season total to three shutouts. With the two wins, Illinois extended its home winning-streak to 11 games, including 10 shutouts during the span. Kapicka and the Illini hit the road this weekend, traveling to Wisconsin and Northwestern to open Big Ten play. The Orange and Blue will take on the Badgers on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. before wrapping up the weekend against the Wildcats on Sunday, Sept. 28 at noon.