MADISON, Wis. – Illinois Fighting Illini softball won the first game of this weekend's four-game series at Wisconsin, 4-0. The Illini scored four runs on six hits with all runs scored coming in the top of the sixth inning. Illini junior pitcher Sydney Sickels was impressive once again in the circle, throwing her seventh complete game and a season-high 12 strikeouts in Friday afternoon's shutout win.

"Avrey Steiner was relentless at the plate today," said head coach Tyra Perry. "Her leadership has been a key component to our success. I am proud of our overall effort. We have to stay focused and come out ready from the first pitch tomorrow."

The game was scoreless until the top of the sixth inning when the Illini jumped ahead. Katie Wingerter reached on an error by the shortstop to lead off the inning. Gabi Robles moved Wingerter to second on a sacrifice bunt, followed by an RBI triple by Avrey Steiner to center field, scoring Miranda Gallardo, the pinch runner for Wingerter.

The Illini would continue to add runs in the inning, as Kailee Powell laid down a perfect squeeze bunt, scoring Steiner from third. Jaelyn Vickery singled and advanced to second on an error by the center fielder, scoring Powell to put Illinois up by three. Maddison Demers followed up with an RBI single to left field, scoring Vickery to give the Illini a four-run lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.

With no outs in the home half of the sixth inning, Wisconsin put runners on second and third with a leadoff single and a double to right center field, but Sydney Sickels got out of the jam without allowing a run.

UP NEXT

The Illini are back at the Goodman Softball Complex in Madison, Wis. Tomorrow (April 3) for a noon doubleheader with the Badgers.