MADISON, Wis. – The Illinois softball team's run in the Big Ten Softball Tournament ended on Friday (May 11) night as the sixth-seeded Illini suffered a 2-1 setback to No. 3 Indiana on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning at the Goodman Softball Complex.
The Illini move to 37-18 on the season and will await their NCAA Tournament fate, which will be revealed during the 2018 NCAA Division I Softball Championship selection show on Sunday (May 13) night at 9 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
Quotable
"This one was tough. I truly believe my team expected to win tonight but we let too many opportunities pass us by. The strikeouts late in the game were rally killers that we did not overcome. Bella Loya's homerun was a bright spot." – head coach Tyra Perry
What Happened
Freshman Bella Loya continued her strong tournament play with a solo home run in the top of the second inning, but the Hoosiers (26-29) quickly tied it up at 1-1 with their own solo shot to left field in the bottom half of the frame.
In a pitcher's duel, neither team was able to get anything going at the plate for much of the game. The Illini's best chance came in the top of the seventh as Loya walked and senior Maddi Doane reached on an error to put runners at first and second with no outs in the frame, but the visitors could not capitalize on the opportunity.
The Hoosiers' Taylor Uden then sent the home team to victory with a walk-off home run to left field in the bottom of the seventh.
Junior Emily Oestreich (16-10) went 6.0 innings in the loss, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk, while striking out four in the outing.
Along with Loya, junior Kiana Sherlund registered a hit, while senior Sam Acosta notched a stolen base on the night.
What's Next
The Illini will await their NCAA Tournament fate, which will be revealed during the 2018 NCAA Division I Softball Championship selection show on Sunday (May 13) night at 9 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
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