LINCOLN, Neb. – The Illinois softball team took a one-run lead into the sixth inning before Nebraska rallied late as the Illini suffered a 3-2 setback in game one of their Big Ten Conference series on a cold and windy Saturday (March 30) afternoon at Bowlin Stadium.
"We left one on the table today," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We started the game strong, but started playing not to lose in the later innings. We have the personnel that can take over a game when we play aggressive Illini Softball. We are going to take a solid look at film tonight and give our max effort in tomorrow's doubleheader."
Sophomore Bella Loya led the Illini (21-8, 2-2 B1G) with a 2-for-3 effort as well as an RBI and a run on the day.
The Huskers (11-18, 1-3 B1G) grabbed an early 1-0 lead after a solo home run in the opening frame, but the Illini answered right back with back-to-back solo dingers from sophomore Bella Loya and senior Veronica Ruelius in the top of the second inning.
With neither team scratching a run across over the next four frames, the Illini took a 2-1 advantage into the bottom of the sixth, where the Huskers retook the lead on an RBI sacrifice bunt, followed by an unearned run on a sacrifice fly to right field.
Freshman Sydney Sickels (13-4) took the loss after giving up all three runs – only two earned – on six hits and one walk and striking out three in a complete game outing.
Both teams knocked six hits, with the Illini committing two errors to the Huskers' one miscue.
Next Up
The Illini and the Huskers will wrap up the three-game series with a doubleheader on Sunday (March 31) beginning at 10 a. m. CT.
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