ATLANTA, Ga. – A walk-off win was in the cards for Illinois softball at the ACC/B1G Challenge as the team topped Louisville, 2-1, in an eight-inning affair at Mewborn Field on Saturday afternoon.
Sydney Sickels had everything working for the Fighting Illini (4-3), fanning eight Cardinal (5-3) hitters over her eight innings of work while allowing just one run on three hits.
At the plate, the Fighting Illini were led by Kelly Ryono, who went 2-for-4 on the day. Stevie Meade put together a standout effort as well, going 1-for-4 with the game-winning single.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Orange and Blue got off to a hot start in the second inning, with Kailee Powell taking a four-pitch walk and Danielle Davis singling through the right side with just one out on the board. Abby Ryniec added a single of her own, loading the bases, before a sacrifice fly by Megan Ward gave the Illini the early 1-0 edge.
A scoreless third and fourth inning followed for both teams, but Louisville rallied in the fifth. Makayla Hurst recorded the RBI single for the Cards, knotting the contest at one run apiece
Illinois needed extra-inning magic to secure the victory and a Ryono single got the Illini offense going in the eighth. Meade delivered the game winner, a single up the middle, securing the 2-1 triumph for the Fighting Illini.
Illinois takes on Georgia Tech in the final game on Saturday. First pitch from Mewborn Field is slated for 5 p.m. CT.
GAME NOTES
» Sickels struck out eight Cardinals batters during her second start of the season.
» Illinois wore white jerseys, improving to 1-0 while wearing those.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Cardinals at a 6-3 clip.
» Illinois went 2-for-5 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
» Sickels limited Louisville to just 1-for-8 (.125) with runners in scoring position.
» Illinois moved to 2-0 in extra innings this season with the victory.
» The Illini are now 2-0 this season against Louisville and 7-4 all-time against the Cards.
