URBANA, Ill. – The Illinois softball team registered an eight-run second inning en route to dominating Maryland, 11-0, in five innings, in the series opener on a cold Friday (April 6) afternoon at Eichelberger Field.
The Illini (23-13, 4-4 B1G) were led by junior Taylor Edwards (7-6) with one-hit, complete game performance in the circle to earn the win. Edwards held the Terps (15-23, 5-2 B1G) to just two base runners on the day as she allowed just one walk and struck out two in the outing.
Juniors Stephanie Abello and Kiana Sherlund paced UI offensively as Abello went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs, while Sherlund knocked two hits – including her seventh triple of the season – as well as two RBI and a run. Sherlund's seven triples on the season ties Rachel Coriddi's 2005 program record for three-baggers in a season that was set during the 2005 campaign.
Freshman Bella Loya and senior Maddi Doane also contributed two RBI and a hit in the win.
Quotable
"I am proud of the way we played today. We took care of what was under our control in all facets of the game. I thought Taylor Edwards was both fearless and efficient in the circle. It was nice to see her let go and trust her training. Leigh Farina was making the plays that we all knew that she was capable of. We executed our plan on offense. It was a great start to the series."
What Happened
The Illini grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the opening frame on an Abello RBI double down the left field line, followed by a Doane RBI single up the middle to score Abello.
An eight-run inning broke things open in the second for the Illini, highlighted by a two-run double from Loya, an RBI single from redshirt-sophomore Veronica Ruelius and a two-RBI triple from Sherlund.
Ruelius added an RBI on a fielder's choice in the third as the Orange and Blue went on for the 11-0 run-rule victory.
The Illini totaled 10 hits in the win, while the Terps suffered three errors on the day.
What's Next
The Illini continue their three-game series with the Terps with a 1 p.m. CT game on Saturday (April 7) at Eichelberger Field, before wrapping the series with a 12 p.m. contest on Sunday (April 8).
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.
