URBANA, Ill. – In a game that saw just nine total hits between both teams, the Illinois softball team came up just short in a 2-1 setback to No. 22 Michigan on a cold and windy Friday (April 19) night at Eichelberger Field.
The Illini (27-15, 6-7 B1G) were led by redshirt-senior Annie Fleming with a 2-for-3 effort at the plate, while sophomore Katie Wingerter added a hit and a run on the night.
The Wolverines (31-11, 13-1 B1G) struck first with an RBI double in the opening inning and held the 1-0 advantage until the sixth, when Wingerter led off the frame with a single through the right side. From there the sophomore advanced to third on a sac bunt from freshman Avrey Steiner and a Fleming knock. She then came home to tie the score at 1-1 on an RBI fielder's choice from senior Kiana Sherlund.
Heading into the seventh with the score knotted at 1-1, the Wolverines then scored the go-ahead run on an RBI sacrifice fly to left field as the Illini were unable to rally.
Freshman Sydney Sickels (17-9) had a strong outing despite the loss, giving up the two earned runs on six hits and four walks and struck out three in a complete game effort.
Next Up
The Illini continue their three-game series with No. 22 Michigan on Saturday (April 20) at 1 p.m. CT in Eichelberger Field. Saturday will be the 20th season celebration with t-shirts for the first 300 fans in attendance.
For more Fighting Illini softball news, stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com and follow @IlliniSB on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook.
