October 8, 2012
WOMEN'S PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Illini midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo

Illinois midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo has been named Chicagoland Soccer News Women's College Player of the Week for the week ending October 7.

DiBernardo struck for a hat trick in a 3-2 win over Michigan State on Thursday night.

After the Illini surrendered a sixth-minute goal to the Spartans, DiBernardo leveled the score in the 28th-minute. A Spartans handball was called inside their own box, and DiBernardo blasted the penalty kick past goalkeeper Courtney Clem.

Michigan State took the lead again in the 54th minute, but DiBernardo once again leveled the score, in the 68th. After a give-and-go with Megan Pawloski freed up space for DiBernardo, the junior released a shot that hit the crossbar and bounced down and in behind the Spartan goalkeeper.

DiBernardo put the game away in the 84th minute. From 23 yards out, DiBernardo ripped a free kick that curved to the inside right portion of the goal. The tally was DiBernardo's fourth goal of the season.

DiBernardo moved up in the Illinois record books after her hat trick performance. The Naperville native is now third on the Illinois career scoring list with 31 goals, and is tied for fourth with Jessica Bayne in Illinois career points with 66.


Chicagoland Soccer News Women's College Player of the Week
Week ending August 19: Lisa Nouanesengsy, Indiana Hoosiers
Week ending August 26: Elizabeth Tucker, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Week ending September 2: Elyse Hight, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Week ending September 9: Rebecca Candler, Indiana Hoosiers
Week ending September 16: Rachel Tejada, Illinois State Redbirds
Week ending September 23: Cari Roccaro, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Week ending September 30: Sarah Voigt, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Week ending October 7: Vanessa DiBernardo, Illinois Fighting Illini