URBANA, Ill. – Illinois softball made a statement on Wednesday afternoon when the team shutout Valparaiso, 9-0, during the Fighting Illini's home opener at Eichelberger Field.
Illinois improved to 17-9 on the season while Valpo dropped to 3-15 this year.
Lauren Wiles, Tori McQueen and Juliana Hooker combined to throw a shutout on Wednesday. Wiles started and picked up the win for Illinois, going three shutout innings while giving up one hit, walking one, and striking out four. McQueen was dealing out of the bullpen, tossing one shutout inning without allowing a hit, walking none and striking out two. Hooker fanned one Beacon batter during just her second appearance this year.
Danielle Davis led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, going 2-for-2 in the ballgame with a home run and two RBI. Stevie Meade provided a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 3-for-3 with a triple. Sydney Malott went 1-for-1 for Illinois with a double and three RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Fighting Illini bats came alive from the jump with Illinois tacking on three-straight singles to begin the game. Sacrifice flies from Delaney Rummell and Sydney Malott played a pair of runs for Illinois early 2-0 edge.
A scoreless second frame followed for both teams before Illinois got back on track in the third. Meade tallied a triple to start the Orange and Blue at bat and a bunt from the bat of Kelly Ryono extended the 3-0 advantage. Malott send a scathing double to left field, plating Ryono, before Davis sent a dinger over the fence.
Leading 6-0, Delaney Rummell sent a single up the middle, scoring two, in the following frame. A sacrifice fly from Malott gave the Illini a comfortable 9-0 lead heading into the fifth.
Needing just three outs to secure the win, Hooker took down the Beacon batters in order, closing out the triumph over Valpo.
Illinois returns to Eichelberger Field on March 22 for a game against Bradley. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m.
GAME NOTES
» Wiles, McQueen, and Hooker combined to throw Illinois 13th shutout this year.
» Illinois wore navy jerseys, improving to 5-2 while donning those.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Beacons at an 11-1 clip.
» The 11 Illini hit tied for the most this season.
» The Fighting Illini's nine runs tied for second most scored this season.
» Illinois went 6-for-11 (.545) with runners in scoring position.
» The victory marked the fourth abbreviated game this year for the Orange and Blue. Illinois is 3-1 in such games.
» Davis tallied her third homer this season in the victory.
» Illinois tallied four stolen bases, tying for second most this year.
