MADISON, Wis. – The Illinois softball team suffered a pair of setbacks to Wisconsin, 4-2 and 6-2, on Thursday (April 12) afternoon at the Goodman Diamond Complex.
Senior Maddi Doane led the Illini (25-15, 6-6 B1G) with three hits and a run on the day, while freshman Bella Loya added a pair of hits and a run in the doubleheader.
Quotable
"In my experience you miss 100 percent of the pitches you do not swing at. We are a top hitting team because we swing our bats and make adjustments. We did not do that today in either game." – head coach Tyra Perry
What Happened
Game One: Wisconsin 4, Illinois 2
The Badgers (19-16, 4-5 B1G) struck first with a pair of runs in the opening frame on an RBI single and fielder's choice, before adding to their lead with another two scores on an RBI sacrifice fly and double in the fourth.
The Illini broke through with back-to-back hits from Loya and Doane to start the seventh, with the duo then coming in to score on a UW fielding error and wild pitch to cut the deficit to 4-2. With the tying run at the plate, the Illini comeback fell short with back-to-back outs.
Junior Taylor Edwards (8-7) took the loss after giving up four runs – three earned – on seven hits and three walks in a complete game effort.
Game Two: Wisconsin 6, Illinois 2
Wisconsin opened the day's second game with a leadoff home run, before taking a 4-0 advantage with a three-run homer in the fourth. The home team then added a pair of runs in the sixth for the 6-0 edge.
The Illini scored a pair of runs in the top of the seventh on an RBI hit-by-pitch from redshirt-sophomore Veronica Ruelius and an RBI fielder's choice from junior Alexis Carrillo to spoil the shutout.
Junior starter Emily Oestreich (12-7) suffered the setback after allowing one run on one hit and did not record an out before sophomore Akilah Mouzon relieved her. Mouzon gave up five runs – four earned – on eight hits and a walk and struck out one in 5.1 innings. Senior Erin Walker saw 0.2 innings of relief action, allowing one walk and striking out two in the outing.
What's Next
The Illini wraps up their series at Wisconsin with a 2:30 p.m. CT game on Friday (April 13) at the Goodman Softball Complex.
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.
