CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Illinois women’s basketball team is rallying as they navigate the season without one of their key players.

Gretchen Dolan, a redshirt sophomore guard who has been averaging 13.6 points per game, has been absent for the last two games due to a knee injury. Filling the gap, sophomore forward Berry Wallace has delivered outstanding performances, including a career-high 29 points in Sunday’s victory over Northwestern, a feat that earned her accolades from the Big Ten.

Wallace isn’t the only one rising to the occasion during Dolan’s absence. Sophomore guard Aaliyah Guyton, making her first start for the Illini, matched her season-high with 13 points, along with three rebounds and three assists, all while maintaining a clean slate with no turnovers during her season-high 29 minutes on the court.

“It feels really good, it’s motivating. It’s a confidence builder,” Guyton shared post-game. “Not just seeing the ball go through the hoop, but knowing everyone has my back. Coach Green really supports me, and I have immense trust in her and my teammates. It’s a huge confidence boost, knowing I can rely on them even when the ball doesn’t go in.”

Adjusting to a new team and dealing with injuries, Guyton initially struggled to find her footing in her debut season in Champaign after transferring from Iowa.

Prior to Dolan’s injury she was averaging just 13.2 minutes per game in Illinois’ last five outings. Then, she played 27 minutes against Michigan before 29 vs the Wildcats.

“She’s finally been consistent in practice time, game times and really getting some great experience and stepping up,” Illinois head women’s basketball coach Shauna Green said after Sunday’s win. “She’s stepping up and being key offensively. She’s been really big the last couple days.”

Guyton, a Peoria, Ill. native, is shooting 46% from the field and 33% from three-point land on the season. Illinois is back in action on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Nebraska.