CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – It was another successful fall campaign for the Illinois softball team as the Illini went undefeated in their developmental season, while welcoming in 10 newcomers for the 2018-19 year, including transfers Katie Wingerter and Maddy Adams, as well as freshmen Kailee Powell, Zaria Dunlap, Danielle Dennis, Danielle Davis, Sydney Sickels, Avrey Steiner, Hannah Sasaki and Abby Sagert.

"This fall was an overall success in my eyes," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We were fortunate to play a wide variety of opponents on our home field in front of our amazing fans. We have 10 newcomers on our roster this year, and each contest gave them the opportunity to get more comfortable in our system. I thought the rookies as well as the veterans showed a ton of poise in all eight games. The tone has been set for an exciting spring 2019 season."

"As we graduated eight seniors last spring and gained 10 newcomers, it was crucial to build chemistry during the fall season," added senior Kiana Sherlund. "The chemistry we built will allow us to understand what each individual brings to the team and reach our goals for the spring."

Schedule/Results

	Illini Fall Classic I & II September 29-30 Illinois 8, UW Parkside 0  Illinois 19, Danville CC 2 Illinois 6, Illinois Wesleyan 4 Illinois 10, Heartland CC 3
	Orange & Blue Bash II October 7 Illinois 3, Illinois Springfield 2 Illinois 9, Spoon River 0
	Illinois 18, Parkland College 3 October 10

Fall Ball Thoughts

The fall softball season was one in which we enjoyed great success, however, all the players fully understand that this is only the building blocks for what lies ahead in the spring. As a team, the most impressive thing is you can see the chemistry and trust developing amongst the players, which is extremely important with all the new faces and trying to win and compete at the highest level. As a person, you realize that you are just one of 25 players all trying to make a difference in accomplishing the same goals.
- Freshman Danielle Dennis

This fall was very exciting as we got to see so many newcomers come onto the field ready to help us win! It's always fun to come back and see the development of the underclassmen and the emergence of new leaders in the upperclassmen. We had some tough practices but there was a big focus on fundamentals, as well as the process and culture of Illini softball. Going out there and getting eight wins this Fall was big for us, and it was a goal we set before the first practice even started.
- Senior Annie Fleming

I thought the fall season went really well. It has been neat to see the team start to come together so quickly. I have loved getting to know everyone and become a part of the Illini softball family. I have also grown individually and have come to realize I can push myself much more than I ever knew possible.
- Freshman Sydney Sickels

Trout's Take

For me what stood out is the returners in the lineup doing what they do offensively mixed in with the freshman and newcomers that stepped in and played a ton of innings at a high level. Sophomore Maddison Demers showed she could be a serious threat in the middle of the lineup and senior Annie Fleming's return was also fun to see. I am very excited to see this blend of experience and youth on offense and defense in the spring.
- Assistant Coach Laura Trout

The Bun is Back

It is great to have fifth-year senior Annie Fleming healthy and back on in the lineup. Her leadership on and off the field is invaluable. She looks like she is really starting to settle back in after missing last spring.
- Head Coach Tyra Perry 

Personally, it felt amazing to put on a jersey again after being injured last year. I had been waiting a long time to get back out there and play with my teammates and I cannot describe how great it felt to run out onto the field in September.
- Senior Annie Fleming 

So many moments stand out from from my first fall season, but if I had to narrow it down it would be the leadership skills shown by the upperclassman and how supportive each player is of one another.  I can list so many players, but for me personally, Annie Fleming has been a great leader, role model, and has been a great person to depend on for many of the questions I have had during my first fall season. 
- Freshman Danielle Dennis

McMahon's Moment

Senior Danielle Brochu came in relief of a tightly contested game with Illinois Springfield and showed great maturity in doing what she does best-getting ground ball outs. She pitched two innings and recorded the save that helped secure the win for the Illini!
- Assistant Coach Lance McMahon 

Fresh Faces

There were quite a few freshman who have come in and made their mark. I love playing behind Sydney Sickels on the mound and watching Avrey Steiner come in fearless at second base. I am excited to see how they develop over the next four years and they will be very important in our success this season. I was also very excited and inspired by Danielle Dennis. She has been asked to basically play every position on the field besides pitcher and catcher and she has no hesitation and does it all with a smile on her face. That positive attitude and hard work led her to have a stand out Fall season culminating in a homerun in the Alumni Game.
- Senior Annie Fleming 

Freshmen pitcher Sydney Sickels was a complete bright spot this fall. Her calm demeanor in the circle is phenomenal considering she is only in her first year. She is a hard worker and I believe Sydney has another gear that will present itself as she gains experience.
- Head Coach Tyra Perry

Sydney Sickels added a new arm to our staff and had a tremendous fall season. I am so excited to stand behind her during the spring… literally. (-;
- Senior Kiana Sherlund

Coaching Staff Shout Outs

Maddison Demers is swinging a hot bat for us right now. She is really starting to understand her process and what it takes to be a consistent threat at the plate.  
- Head Coach Tyra Perry

The fall season showed us how much depth and competition we will have in both spots of the battery. Freshmen Sydney Sickels and Abby Sagert showed a lot of poise and development as they continue to learn our system and expectations at the pitcher and catcher position, respectively. Senior pitchers Taylor Edwards and Emily Oestreich were mainstays and provided a great sense of experience and leadership in the circle.
- Assistant Coach Lance McMahon  

Freshman Feels

It was a great challenge to compete at Illinois this past fall, but it was exactly what I had expected. To play at the D1 level you must have the right mind set knowing you need to be committed and work hard on and off the field to accomplish team goals.  Wearing that Illini jersey for the first time this fall was a great honor and with my first fall season under my belt it has actually motivated me even more to be the best player possible to help this team accomplish its goals.
- Freshman Danielle Dennis

Shout Out to the Alumni

The Alumni Game has become one of my favorite traditions here at Illinois since Coach Perry became head coach. It was great to see so many of my best friends especially those that live far away now! Being the 20th season of Illini softball, it was important for us to see the history of this program. We had a good mix of alumni, from players from the first teams (before Eichelberger Field was even built) to many of last year's graduates. Seeing the alumni that were my teammates over the last four years such as Allie Bauch, Alyssa Gunther and Nicole Evans, allowed me to reflect on the lessons they taught me and how important their mentorship was for me as a person and player. It gave me the opportunity to think about the legacy that I am leaving and the positive impact I hope to have on my current teammates.
- Senior Annie Fleming

Having such a strong alumni base makes it easy for us to play for something bigger than ourselves. As a senior, I have been fortunate enough to spend time with our alumni and get to know them. Being a Fighting Illini softball player is not a four-year decision, but a lifetime one.
- Senior Kiana Sherlund

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