On a chilly, overcast Sunday afternoon, the Michigan women’s soccer team earned a victory for the class of 2011, beating No. 16 Illinois 3-2.

After defeating Iowa 2-1 on Friday, Michigan’s (5-2-2, 10-3-4) win over the nationally ranked Illini (5-3-1, 12-4-1) all but ensures its first NCAA Tournament birth since 2006.

The Wolverines knew how important it was to send off their five seniors — who have played a huge role in taking Michigan from annual basement dweller to national contender — on the right note.

It was an emotional day for Michigan coach Greg Ryan, who was hired after the outgoing seniors' freshman season.

“I’m so proud of them because I got these kids when they were in the second semester of their freshman year and we just didn’t have the ability level that we have now, as you see on the field, to really go after teams like Illinois," Ryan said after the game.

"So they weathered the storm and the hard times, and we kept telling them ‘Girls, we’re going to get you the help you need' ... We play so hard for them because we wanted them to experience going into the NCAA Tournament…We couldn’t be happier and more proud of the senior class.”

Fittingly, senior midfielder Sarah Stanczyk was one of the star performers for Michigan against Illinois, as she waited until her last home game to score her first career goal. Channeling her inner Brandi Chastain, Stanczyk pulled off her jersey in celebration and received a yellow card. But, the yellow card was the last thing on the senior’s mind.

"(My goal) finally happened and I went completely blank … I can’t explain (the celebration)," Stanczyk said.

After the game, Stanczyk was nostalgic when asked to evaluate her Michigan soccer career.

“My career has definitely had its ups and downs here, but overall it has been an amazing experience. I learned so much from (Coach) Ryan," Stanczyk said. "He has taught me so many things about soccer that I never thought I would be able to learn ... The group of girls I have gotten to play with has been really special.”

After securing its first 10-win season since 2004, Michigan turns its attention to Saturday’s game at Penn State, as it continues to work towards the seniors' ultimate goal — playing in the NCAA tournament.