WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Illinois softball team suffered a 6-3 setback to Purdue in its Big Ten Conference opener on a chilly Thursday (March 22) afternoon at Bittinger Stadium.
The setback is just the second in the last 12 games for the Illini (19-10).
Quotable
"It is tough to win in the Big Ten when you only show up for one inning. We played tentative all game and gave up too much on offense and defense. We have an opportunity tomorrow to get back to playing Illini Softball. The plan is to watch film and come out fighting on Friday." – head coach Tyra Perry.
What Happened
The Boilermakers (7-22) used a quick start with single runs in the second and third innings and a three-run fourth on a pair of home runs to build a 5-0 lead.
Despite the deficit, the Illini fought back with three scores in the top of the sixth as senior Maddi Doane notched an RBI single, followed by a two-run single from redshirt-sophomore pinch hitter Veronica Ruelius.
Purdue responded with an insurance run in the sixth as the Illini could not rally in the seventh.
Junior starter Emily Oestreich (10-4) took the loss after allowing five runs – only four earned – on five hits and four walks, while striking out two. Sophomore Akilah Mouzon threw two innings of relief, giving up one earned run on four hits and a walk.
The Illini totaled six hits, but were hampered by three errors. Ruelius led the way with two RBI and a hit, while Doane and freshman Bella Loya each added a hit and a run in the contest.
What's Next
The Illini wraps up their conference-opening series at Purdue with a doubleheader on Friday (March 23) beginning at 3 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.
