Members of the Illinois softball team are writing a blog, which will be published throughout the 2017-18 school year. Follow all the action of Head coach Tyra Perry's squad right here on FIGHTINGILLINI.com.

What's up Illini Softball fans!

My name is Hanna Nilsen and I am a sophomore pitcher from Trabuco Canyon, California.

The fall season has concluded, but not without the finale of the Orange and Blue series. This is when we split up into two teams and go head to head against each other where the best two out of three games takes the series. These games are highly competitive considering we are going against our toughest opponent: ourselves. Both teams fought for both games but the blue squad took home the wins! The blue team concluded that our aggressive offense and defense is what brought home the wins this past weekend.

This past Sunday, we also had the pleasure of meeting many of the alumni who paved the way for us Illini Softballers today! They had many words of wisdom for us and gave us a run for our money on the field (they still got it)! I really got a greater appreciation for Eichelberger Field and all that is given to us after hearing from the alums.

Fall practice has also come to an end where we now wind down into individual skill groups during the week. Conditioning gets turned up as well as in the weight room. This is the time where we push our physical and mental capabilities. This is also the time during offseason where we push ourselves even harder on the field with the limited hours we have with the coaches. Due to the limited hours, much of our time is spent on our own getting better every day. Champions are made in the offseason!

This team is full of competitors who are ready to take the field. Make sure you keep an eye on the Illini!

"Great things never come from comfort zones."

Hanna Nilsen