CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois softball team had its nine-game winning streak snapped following a 12-0 five-inning setback to No. 6 Minnesota in the Illini's Big Ten home opener on a rainy Friday (March 31) night at Eichelberger Field.
The Illini drop to 23-9 on the season and 3-1 in the Big Ten, while the Gophers improve to 29-2 and 4-0 in the conference standings.
"Today was tough because the team that has been playing hard since the beginning of the season did not show up," said head coach Tyra Perry. "Minnesota is a good team and well coached but we simply did not compete tonight. Tomorrow is a new day and thankfully we have two more games to play Illini Softball."
The Gophers struck first in the opening inning with a bases-loaded walk, followed by hit-by-pitch for a 2-0 lead, before using a 10-run fifth frame to close the door on the Illini. Following a two-run homer from Kendyl Lindaman, a UI error allowed the inning to continue as Minnesota capitalized with eight more runs, including a grand slam from Lindaman later in the frame.
Junior Maddi Doane knocked the lone Illini hit of the contest with a single to centerfield in the bottom of the third.
Senior Breanna Wonderly (9-8) took the loss after giving up all 12 runs, but with only four earned, on 10 hits and six walks, while striking out four in 4.2 innings. Freshman Akilah Mouzon saw relief action, giving up a walk in 0.1 innings.
Gopher pitcher Sara Groenewegen (14-1) struck out eight Illini and did not allow a walk en route to earning the complete game, shutout win.
Illinois continues its three-game series with the Gophers on Saturday (April 1) at 1 p.m. CT.
For more Fighting Illini softball news, stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com and follow the team on Twitter @IlliniSB or like Fighting Illini Softball on Facebook.
