FULLERTON, Calif. – The Illinois softball team opened play at the Judi Garman Classic on Thursday (Feb. 27), suffering a 12-2 setback to Cal Poly in five innings, before dropping a 7-6 decision to BYU in Anderson Family Field No. 2.
"We are still learning how to consistently compete each game," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We have what it takes to be successful but we are still finding our way. Tomorrow is a new day. We have three games left and we will look to learn from our setbacks and come out stronger."
Cal Poly 12, Illinois 2 // 5 innings
The Mustangs (10-5) jumped out to an early advantage with six runs in the opening inning. RBI singles from freshman Delaney Rummell and junior Bella Loya got back two runs in the bottom half of the frame, but CPU added another four-run third inning to push ahead at 10-2. The visitors then finished off their scoring with two unearned runs in the fifth.
The Illini had seven hits, but committed six errors in the contest. Loya led the Illini with a 3-for-3 effort at the plate, while junior Rhein Trochim also added a 2-for-2 performance.
Sophomore Addy Jarvis (3-3) took the loss after allowing six runs – only four earned – on six hits and one walk and struck out one in 0.2 innings, while freshmen Morgan Scivally (1.2 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 1K) and Taylor Murray (2.2 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K) also saw action.
BYU 7, Illinois 6
BYU broke a scoreless game in the third with a pair of home runs for a 3-0 edge they would hold until the fifth frame when the Illini exploded for six runs to take a 6-3 lead. Back-to-back doubles from sophomore Danielle Davis and Freshman Kelly Ryono tied things at 3-3, before sophomore Avrey Steiner knocked the third UI double of the inning to give the Illini the lead. Freshman Miranda Gallardo – who earned her first career start at short stop – then added an RBI single, with junior Shelby Stauffenberg also scoring on a Cougar error for the 6-3 advantage.
From there, BYU closed the deficit to one at 6-5 with a two-run homer in the sixth and then retook the lead for good at 7-6 on another two-run dinger in the seventh.
The Illini totaled eight hits, with freshman Kelly Ryono going 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run and Steiner adding two hits and an RBI.
Sophomore Sydney Sickels (3-4) dropped the decision after giving up seven runs on 11 hits and a walk, while also striking out five in a complete game.
Next Up
The Illini continues play at the Judi Garman Classic with two games on Saturday (Feb. 28), first taking on Colorado State at 7 p.m. CT, before facing Fresno State at 9:30 p.m. CT.
For more Fighting Illini softball news, stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com and follow @IlliniSB on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook.
