Champaign, Ill. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team battled to a 0-0 draw against Illinois in double overtime at the Illinois Soccer Stadium.
 
"I was really proud with our team's effort," head coach Paula Wilkins said. "The last six games we've played I thought that everything I've asked them to do they've done and they've done their best."
 
The tie extends Wisconsin's unbeaten streak to six games this season and is also the eighth game the team has played into double overtime.
 
"I think tonight was a challenge because Illinois was playing for their season and it was senior night and huge credit to Illinois," Wilkins said. "I thought that they do not deserve where they are in the Big Ten. They were one of the better teams we've played in the Big Ten and a huge credit to their team, their coach, their players.
 
"I thought what they brought and what our team brought was an exciting soccer game and obviously we would like to come out with a better result on the road, but I was really proud of our players and I believe if they bring that again, we'll see some great things because the effort and attitude our team brings is fantastic."
 
The Badgers (7-4-7 overall, 4-2-4 Big Ten) saw the most opportunities come to fruition in the first period, where the team tallied half of their total shots (6), including three in a span of forty seconds, however all three shots were blocked by the Fighting Illini (6-10-2, 3-5-2).
 
Junior forward Sydney McGinnis had a good look on goal as she took the first shot in overtime in the 91st minute, however Illinois' goalkeeper Claire Wheatley was able to collect the ball to keep Wisconsin from taking the sudden-victory.
 
That wasn't the only trouble the Cardinal and White offense caused for Wheatley in overtime.
 
Wheatley had to jump into action to collect her fourth and final save of the night after sophomore forward Emily Borgmann ripped the Badgers' final shot of the match in the 108th minute. However Wheatley was able to keep Wisconsin from finding the back of the net ending the game deadlocked at 0-0.
 
Senior midfielder Micaela Powers led UW in shots with three while McGinnis, Alexis Tye, and Emily Borgmann each tallied two.
 
Wisconsin swept the statistical battle, holding the advantage in shots (12-7), shots on goal (4-2), and corner kicks (10-6).
 
With the scoreless draw, junior goalkeeper Caitlyn Clem notched her eighth shutout of the season as she saved all two shots Illinois fired at her.
 
"I told them in our meeting that we build confidence from preparation and they've showed in the last couple of games that they're able to play with the top teams in the conference," Wilkins added. "They've gotten better each time and we're just looking to bring that same effort and same mentality that we've had for the last couple games and like I said, they're going to put everything out there, do their best, and I truly believe they are, and I'm excited for the game on Wednesday."
 
The team closes out regular-season play at the McClimon Soccer Complex on Wednesday, Oct. 26 vs. Rutgers. Kickoff is scheduled at 7 p.m.