Going into this weekend, the Illini women's soccer team knew the games versus No. 11 Ohio State and No. 14 Penn State would go a long way in determining their status in the Big Ten.

After splitting two games this weekend, their status remains uncertain, as they were unable to take control of the conference, but remain in a logjam at the top of the standings.

The Illini now stand at 10-2-1 overall and 5-1-1 in conference play.

The Illini jumped out to an early lead on Friday against Ohio State and never looked back winning 2-0.

The Buckeyes had not allowed more than one goal in any game this season, but it only took the Illini about 17 minutes to surpass the two goal mark.

The attack was led by freshman forward Jessica Bayne who contributed a goal and an assist in the victory.

"We were prepared for anything," said Bayne, whose goal was assisted by junior forward Andrea Ridgeway and sophomore defender Kelly Campbell. "This was a huge win for our team."

A goal by junior Tara Hurless seven minutes later off a feed from Bayne gave the Illini a two-goal lead.

"The early goal and us playing well early was really important," Illinois head coach Janet Rayfield said. "We talked about trying to come out of the gates and establish that we could play with them from the beginning."

Illinois charged the Buckeye goal early and often with nine shots in the first half, constant pressure on Ohio State goaltender Staci Sinkway and precise passing.

The Illini frustrated the Buckeyes allowing only two shots on goal and forcing Ohio State into two yellow cards.

"We kept our intensity and fought hard not to lose our composure," Rayfield said.

Illini defense continued its season-long stellar play keeping Ohio State away from goaltender Leisha Alcia most of the game.

Despite the outstanding victory versus the Buckeyes, the Illini met their match on Sunday losing to Penn State 2-0.

The team was only able to garner one shot on goal against the Nittany Lions and were under constant pressure from Penn State.

"The first twenty minutes was where we needed to be better today," said Rayfield, whose team looked sluggish in the early going.

Although the Illini played more confidently in the second half creating numerous scoring opportunities, they were unable to capitalize on any of them.

"We had some chances in the second half, but we've got to finish some of those chances," Rayfield said. "We finish one of those and it's a 1-1 game, which is a lot different from a 1-0 game and having some confidence."

Penn State outshot the Illini 11-1 and kept Alcia busy in the net. Despite allowing two goals, Alcia made several outstanding saves to keep Illinois in the game.

Despite the loss to Penn State, Rayfield says it is important to realize this was only one game in a long season.

"This game, even though it's a loss, is going to make us better. That's how we have to look at it," Rayfield said. "We come away from this game saying we have things we have to improve, but we're close."