RALEIGH, N.C. – Despite a standout performance from sophomore pitcher Sydney Sickels, the Illinois softball team dropped its first game of the season in a 1-0 decision to Notre Dame on the opening day of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Friday (Feb. 14) at Dail Softball Stadium.
"It was a rough start on both offense and defense today against an always well-coached Notre Dame team," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We were very passive at the plate which is the opposite of our normal hitting mentality. Sydney Sickels did a great job in the circle and gave us a chance to win."
Sickels (2-1) went all six innings and allowed just one earned run on five hits and a walk, while notching four strikeouts on the day.
ND (4-2) scored the game's only run in the opening inning with a two-out single to centerfield. The Illini (4-1) threatened in the fifth as sophomore Danielle Davis walked and then stole second, but was stranded on the base.
The Illini totaled three hits and an error with sophomore Avrey Steiner and juniors Shelby Stauffenberg and Bella Loya each collecting a hit on the day.
Next Up
The Illini continues play at the Big Ten/ACC Challenge with a doubleheader on Saturday (Feb. 15), taking on the Fighting Irish for the second time at 2 p.m. CT, before battling with host NC State at 4:30 p.m. CT.
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