LINCOLN, Neb. – Illinois softball took game one of the series at Nebraska on Friday night, 4-0. The Illini were led by third baseman Delaney Rummell, who went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Sydney Sickels was also impressive in the circle, earning her ninth win of the season and seventh complete game shutout. Illinois is now 15-6 on the season following the victory in game one of this weekend's four game series.
"I thought we played solid softball today on all fronts," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We were aggressive at the plate and stayed confident in RBI situations. Delaney Rummell has been working hard on her swing and it was fun to see her come through in the clutch. Our defense was stingy and played well behind Sickels."
Bella Loya opened up the scoring for the Illini in the top of the first inning, doubling down the right field line to score Kailee Powell, who reached base on a walk. Illinois would extend their lead in the second as Delaney Rummell led off with a hard-hit single up the middle, followed by a double down the left field line by Maddison Demers, scoring Rummell to put the Illini up, 2-0.
In the top of the sixth inning, Jaelyn Vickery lead off with a walk, followed by a deep fly ball by Bella Loya, allowing Vickery to tag up and advance to second base. Delaney Rummell came through with a two-out single to right field, followed by another two-out hit by Kelly Ryono, a double to left field which scored Rummell. The two-run sixth inning put the Orange and Blue in front, 4-0.
Sydney Sickels threw her seventh complete game shutout and eighth complete game of the season in Friday night's victory. The junior hurler picked up seven strikeouts while giving up just four hits as she improves to 9-2 on the season.
UP NEXT
Illinois takes on Nebraska for games two and three of the series in a doubleheader tomorrow, April 10. Game one will begin at 12 pm CT and both games will be streamed on BTN+.
