Ohio State senior goalkeeper Devon Kerr (1) prepares to take a goal kick in the second half of the game against Florida Gulf Coast University on Sept. 7. Credit: Casey Cascaldo | Photo Editor

After falling to Penn State in the Big Ten opener last Friday at Jeffrey Field, the Ohio State women’s soccer team regained some momentum from non-conference play, defeating Illinois 2-0.

At the start of the match, senior forward Eleanor Gabriel put the Buckeyes ahead 1-0 after a goal in the fourth minute of the game, scoring inside the left post from 12 yards.

In the 74th minute, Gabriel notched her second goal of the night for the Buckeyes, marking the second goal this season, extending the lead to 2-0.  

Ohio State tallied eight total saves and nine shots, while Illinois totaled 16 shots and three saves, also holding a 6-2 edge over the Buckeyes in corner kicks.

Senior goalkeeper Devon Kerr, made all eight saves for Ohio State in the second Big Ten game of the year against Illinois, tying her season high, and third-most in her overall career.

Illinois couldn’t seem to pull off a win at home, after coming off of a recent loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, resulting in a 6-4-0 overall record thus far.  

With this win, the Buckeyes improved on their overall record rising to 4-4-0 on the year.  

The Ohio State women’s soccer team will stay in Illinois for their next match against No. 21 Northwestern on Sunday at 1 p.m.