LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Illinois softball team dropped both games on the final day of the Red & Black Challenge, falling to Louisville, 4-3, before suffering a 9-1 six-inning setback to Evansville on Sunday (March 8) at Ulmer Stadium.
"It is always tough when you have a chance to win two but come away empty handed," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We are still working to figure out how to bring high energy and effort to each game. We have a chance at becoming a great team but we have to bring our best offense, defense and mentality every day."
Freshman Kelly Ryono led the Illini offense on the weekend with a .444 hitting percentage on four hits, while classmate Delaney Rummell paced the squad with four RBI.
Louisville 4, Illinois 3
The Cardinals (9-13) struck first in the third on an RBI single and a two-run home run, before freshman Delaney Rummell answered back in the top of the fourth with her own two-run homer – the Gilberts, Ill., native's team-leading fifth of the season – to bring the Illini within one at 3-2.
Illinois then tied things up in the sixth as sophomore pinch hitter Kailee Powell led off the inning with a triple, before junior Bella Loya brought in freshman Miranda Gallardo on an RBI fielder's choice.
Heading into the bottom of the seventh with the score still knotted at 3-3, the home team led off with a single up the middle, before an Illini throwing error on the next batter brought in the game-winning run.
Sophomore Sydney Sickels started and gave up three earned runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out 10. It was her fourth double-digit strikeout outing of the season. Classmate Addy Jarvis (5-6) took the loss after entering in the sixth and allowing one unearned run on one hit and added one strikeout in 0.2 innings of work.
Evansville 9, Illinois 1 // 6 innings
The Aces broke the scoreless tie in the third frame with four unearned runs on a sacrifice fly and a three-run home run, before adding to their lead with another pair of score in the fourth for the 6-0 advantage.
The Illini would get on the board in the fifth as senior Maddy Adams doubled in sophomore Avrey Steiner, but a three-run sixth inning sent Evansville to the 9-1 win.
The Illini totaled five hits, but were hindered by four errors. Adams led the Illini offense with a 2-for-2 effort at the plate with one RBI.
Jarvis dropped the decision after allowing six runs – only two earned – on six hits and a walk, while striking out five in 3.2 innings. Freshmen Taylor Murray (2.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 2 K) and Morgan Scivally (0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB) also saw action.
Next Up
The Illini will next face Missouri in a neutral-site midweek meeting on Wednesday (March 11) at the Lou Brock Sports Complex in St. Charles, Mo. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. CT on the campus of Lindenwood University.
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