MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team (9-2-3) hits the road for a conference match against Illinois in Champaign. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. (CT) on Oct. 12, 2023.

Here are five things to know:

1. KNOW THE OPPONENT: The Badgers are 12-11-5 all-time against the Fighting Illini. In Champaign, the team has a 4-6-3 record. Last time out, the two sides battled to a 0-0 draw in Madison. The Badgers have not lost to Illinois since 2013.

Illinois is 5-5-3 overall on the season and 1-3-2 in Big Ten play. The team is coming off a 3-1 defeat against Minnesota.

2. CLIMBING THE RANKINGS: The Badgers continue to climb the United Soccer Coaches Association national rankings, moving up to No. 12 in this week's poll. Just two weeks ago the team was unranked and now is viewed as one of the top teams in the country.

The Badgers came in at No. 20 in last week's rankings and now have jumped eight spots in a week, a significant jump compared to years past.

3. RECAPPING THE WEEK: Wisconsin's last match was against Northwestern on Thursday, Oct. 5. That game resulted in a 2-1 win for the Badgers thanks to a first-half brace by Emma Jaskaniec. It is the senior's 12th game-winning goal in her career.

Despite going down to 10 players with just eight minutes left in the game, the Badgers were able to prevent any late comeback by the Wildcats. It is the team's third straight win in a row.

4. HOW TO FOLLOW: You can livestream the action through BIG+. Follow Wisconsin women's soccer on X (@BadgerWSoccer) and Instagram (@badgerwsoccer).

5. UP NEXT: Wisconsin returns to Madison for its final home game of the regular season on Sunday, Oct. 15. The Badgers welcome Ohio State to the McClimon Soccer Complex at 1 p.m. (CT).