After compiling two shutout victories for the Illinois women's soccer team, junior goalkeeper Leisha Alcia was content that her team clinched second place in the Big Ten.

But when Alcia found out she was chosen as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season, and second straight week, she was beyond content.

"It was a complete shock," Alcia said. "I was totally shocked when I found out I won. It's an honor most definitely."

Alcia collected four saves in Friday's 4-0 win over Northwestern. On Sunday against UW-Green Bay, she made two saves in the 2-0 win. The two shutouts extended her school-record shutout total to eight games on the season.

"(The awards) were well deserved this year," assistant coach Dale Armstrong said. "She has really stepped up to the plate, captaining the defense, directing the final third of the field. She really has taken charge."

Last week, Alcia received the honor after leading the team to a 2-1 win over Indiana and a 1-1 tie with Purdue. She was also honored on Sept. 22 after she led the Illini in two shutouts over Michigan and Michigan State.

This year, Alcia has given up only 10 goals in over 1,560 minutes of play for a goals-against-average of .58. She leads the Illinois record books in saves (245), shutouts (12), GAA (1.21) and consecutive shutouts (5).

"The reason teams aren't scoring goals is because she is eliminating opporunties before they have a chance, by organizing the defense and closing down passing opportunities," Armstrong said. "She's been more assertive and aggressive about organizing our backs and organizing our two central defensive midfielders."

According to Armstrong, Alcia has taken the lead role in watching a lot of video footage and educating herself on all types of situations, so that she is prepared in all situations.

"She's confident, believes in herself and the system and the kids in front of her," Armstrong said. "This has allowed her to be more assertive and aggressive."

Alcia said the reason for her recognition is a combination of teamwork and her individual improvement.

"It's a big confidence booster," Alcia said. "Especially coming off a big weekend, we are on the way to breaking a lot of records and we are really excited about that. Defensively we go into every match going for a shutout, or at least not a lot of shots against us. Our job is to get a shutout, the forward's job is to score."

Alcia and the No. 15 Illini return to action this weekend to close out the regular season by hosting Butler on Friday night. The team then heads to the Big Ten Tournament the following weekend.