Scholar Athlete of the Week | Kennedy Berschel & Makala Woods

Oct. 17 – 23, 2022

Kennedy Berschel | JR., Soccer | Major: Mechanical Engineering

Makala Woods | JR., Soccer | Major: Politial Science

Illinois soccer overcame a 2-0 halftime deficit to draw with Minnesota, 2-2, in the Illini’s season finale on Oct. 23 at Demirjian Park.

The Orange and Blue shutdown Minnesota while fighting to get on the board in the second half. In the 75th minute, freshman Lia Howard was fouled by the Gophers, winning a penalty for the Illini. Kennedy Berschel took penalty duties and perfectly rifled her kick into the side netting past the outstretched keeper to bring Illinois back into the match. Berschel is a junior from Bensenville, Ill., studying mechanical engineering.

In the 88th minute, Makala Woods received a pass from Joanna Verzosa-Dolezal in space about 25 yards out from goal. Woods half-turned past two on-rushing defenders and roulette turned past another to open up space for a shot on goal. The junior then expertly curled her left-footed shot into the top right corner of the net to equalize the match. Woods is a political science major from Monroe, Ohio. 

º2022-23 Scholar Athlete of the Week Winners

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