Faced with a two game road trip against two Big Ten opponents and the pressure of maintaining their spot at the top of the conference, the Illini responded in a big way with a pair of victories.

The Illini improved to 4-0-1 in conference play and 8-2-1 overall after defeating Wisconsin 2-1 Friday and Minnesota 3-1 Sunday.

Illini head coach Janet Rayfield said that this trip really showed her team's character with two come-from-behind victories.

"We didn't play well in either first half, but it's the sign of a good team when you don't play well and you continue to fight," Rayfield said.

The first victory was not an easy one as the Badgers jumped out to a 1-0 halftime lead and held the Illini to two shots in the first half.

Rayfield said although there were some tactical changes that had to be made, it was mostly psychological adjustments that were needed at halftime.

"The players seemed a little rattled after we gave up the first goal," said Rayfield about the end of the team's school record shutout streak that ended after five games. "They had to realize we weren't going to go the rest of the season without giving up a goal."

The Illini responded quickly as senior Tiffani Walker picked up where she left off last weekend by putting home a feed from freshman Brittany Ward less than a minute into the second half.

The Illini took their first lead with less than 17 minutes left in the game as freshman forward Jessica Bayne scored off an assist from sophomore Christine Karniski.

Senior goaltender Leisha Alcia held Wisconsin scoreless the rest of the way, leading to an Illinois victory.

The Illini fell behind early in their game at Minnesota on Sunday, but were able to rally for a 3-1 win.

The Illini attack was led by freshman Eva Strickland who assisted on the three Illinois goals.

"The team responded to Eva's work ethic at halftime," said Rayfield explaining her team's second-half turnaround.

The Illini outshot Minnesota 17-8 and put constant pressure on Minnesota goalies Karli Kopietz and Marni Prall.

Tara Hurless, Andrea Ridgeway and Ward contributed the goals for the Illini.

"We weren't as solid on the defensive end this weekend, but we made the most of our opportunities," Rayfield said.

Another key for this weekend's victories was the depth showed by the Illini as they continued to get strong performances off the bench from players such as Walker, Ward and Strickland.

"The players off the bench really give us a lift," said Rayfield, whose bench accounted for seven of the 10 points scored this past weekend.

Rayfield said although the Illini will continue to play one game at a time, she believes their mentality has changed a little.

"We're not the team that everyone is unsure about anymore," Rayfield said. "We're the team with the target on our chest."