URBANA, Ill. – Five home runs powered Fighting Illini softball past SIUE on Tuesday as Illinois topped the Cougars, 13-4, in a five-inning run-rule affair.
Illinois improved to 19-12 on the year with the win while SIUE dropped to 10-18.
Sydney Sickels got the win for Illinois as the right-hander went three shutout innings, giving up four hits and striking out two. Lauren Wiles came out of the bullpen, tossing 2.0 innings while allowing four runs on four hits while fanning five batters.
Kelly Ryono went 2-for-2 with a double, a home run and a walk in addition to her five RBI for the Fighting Illini. Paige Berkmeyer put together a noteworthy performance at the plate, going 2-for-3 with her first homer this season. Danielle Davis, Sydney Malott and Stevie Meade also chipped in with a home run each.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Fighting Illini came out hot from the jump with Meade logging a two-run homer in her first at bat. Illinois loaded the bases with a single and a pair of walks before a sacrifice fly by Davis added to the Illinois advantage. Berkmeyer followed the senior with her first homer this year, putting the Orange and Blue ahead 6-0 following the opening frame.
Following a scoreless second inning for the Cougars, Avrey Steiner tallied a leadoff double to begin the home half of the inning. Ryono drove the runner home with a double down the left field line, extending the 7-0 advantage.
Three home runs in the third, including a grand slam by Ryono padded the Fighting Illini's lead, putting the team ahead 13-0 heading into the fourth.
The Cougar offense came to life in the fourth when the team added four runs in the top of the frame.
After being held scoreless in the bottom of the inning, Wiles and the defense returned to the field, looking to secure the win. The Cougars put a pair of runners on, but Wiles kept SIUE off the board, securing the 13-4 victory.
Illinois returns to Eichelberger Field on Wednesday when the Fighting Illini host Indiana State for a doubleheader. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m.
GAME NOTES
» The Fighting Illini wore white jerseys, improving to 5-3 while donning those.
» Illinois moved to 11-1 when scoring in the first inning.
» The Fighting Illini improved to 17-3 when scoring first.
» Illinois moved to 5-0 against SIUE all-time.
» The five dingers were a season high for Illinois and ties for second all-time in a single game.
» The grand slam from Ryono was the first of her collegiate career the 48th in program history.
» The 13 hits were the most by the Illini offense this year.
» The 13 runs scored marked the second-most runs plated by Illinois in 2023.
