Nov. 13, 2008

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Senior defender Emily Zurrer was named to Top Drawer Soccer's Team of the Season, marking the third year in a row she has earned All-America honors from the organization. Zurrer becomes the program's first three-time All-American.

Zurrer collected the third-team honor after delivering another outstanding performance in the Orange and Blue. Not only did the Vancouver, B.C., native play a critical role in helping the Illini produce eight shutouts this season, but she also tied her career high with four goals this year, including three game-winners.

The senior defender has been named an All-American by multiple organizations in the last two years. She earned Top Drawer second-team honors last season and first-team accolades in 2006.

Zurrer and the Illini return to the field on Friday in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Illinois will play the Memphis Tigers at 4 p.m. in Columbia, Mo., home of the hosting Missouri Tigers.