CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois soccer continued its undefeated run in dominant fashion on Sunday, defeating Valparaiso 6–0 at Demirjian Park to tie the program’s best start at 7–0–0 — a mark last achieved in 2004.
Senior forward Sarah Foley stole the spotlight on senior day, recording her first career hat trick and becoming the first Illini to do so since Hope Breslin in 2021. Foley wasted no time, scoring just seconds into the match off an assist from Cayla Jackson. She added two more goals in the 48th and 56th minutes to bring her season total to five, tied for the Big Ten lead.
“I’m excited with how the nonconference play went,” said head coach Katie Hultin. “I’m impressed with our energy heading into today’s game and the fact that we finished it out while playing as many bodies as we could. We’re excited for Big Ten play to begin this week.”
Freshman Emma Yee notched her first-career brace, scoring in the 34th and 42nd minutes. Assists came from Ryleigh Wood — her first collegiate point — and Myra Schneider, who recorded her first as an Illini.
Cayla Jackson contributed two assists and a goal of her own in the 19th minute, bringing her season tally to three goals and matching a rare feat — becoming the first Illini since Sydney Stephens in 2021 to log two assists in a single match. Ashley Stellon also added her team-leading fourth assist on Jackson’s goal.
The Illini look to keep their momentum rolling as they open Big Ten play at home against Indiana on Friday, September 12, at 7 p.m. CT at Demirjian Park.
