LINCOLN, Neb. – Senior Breanna Wonderly threw a complete game shutout and classmate Ruby Rivera drove in the game's lone run as the No. 25 Fighting Illini softball extended their winning streak to nine games with a 1-0 victory over Nebraska on a cold Friday (April 21) night at Bowlin Stadium.
With the win, the Illini improve to 33-10 – just three wins away from equaling their 2016 win total – and an 11-2 mark in the Big Ten, while the Huskers fall to 19-24 and 9-6 in the league standings.
"Today was another great team effort," said head coach Tyra Perry. "All of our players are focused on doing whatever is required to help our team win. Breanna Wonderly was a force in the circle. Her calm, steady rhythm set the pace for our defense. I am proud of Ruby Rivera's leadership at the plate. She is seeing the ball well and came through with a big hit to score our lone run."
Wonderly (16-9) went all seven frames for the Illini, allowing just three hits and two walks and striking out two in the series-opening win. The Huskers had just one base runner advance to third on the night.
The Illini scored the lone run of the game in the top of the third as junior Annie Fleming led off with a single through the left side, before being driven in on a single to right center from Rivera.
The Illini totaled six hits and an error in the win, with Rivera leading the way with a 2-for-3 effort at the plate with an RBI. Fleming added a hit and a run in the win.
Illinois continues its three-game conference series with Nebraska on Saturday (April 22) with first pitch set for 3 p.m. CT on BTN Plus.
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