ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Fighting Illini softball began its series against Michigan with a 3-0 victory at Hutchins Stadium on Friday night.
The Fighting Illini improved to 23-15 overall and 2-5 in Big Ten play. Michigan dropped to 17-15 this year and 3-4 against league opponents.
Sydney Sickels tossed a complete game, giving up four hits, walking three and striking out five. Offensively, Kelly Ryono went 1-for-2 on the day with a home run, a walk and two RBI. Sydney Malott put together a standout performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-2 with a walk and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Illinois struck early with a walk and a single putting runners on first and second with a pair of outs on the board. Malott sent an RBI single into right field, scoring the first run of the game.
After a scoreless second for both teams, Avrey Steiner led off the third with a single into centerfield. Ryono added her eighth homer this season, extending the 3-0 Illini advantage.
Both teams went scoreless the next three innings, with the Fighting Illini holding the three-run advantage heading to the seventh. Despite Sickels allowing a pair of base runner with a two outs on the board, a groundout ended Michigan's hopes, giving Illinois the shutout victory in the series opener.
UP NEXT
Saturday's game against the Wolverines is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT from Hutchins Stadium.
GAME NOTES
» Illinois wore grey uniforms, moving to 4-6 while wearing those.
» The Fighting Illini improved to 12-3 when scoring in the opening frame.
» The Fighting Illini moved to 4-3 during night games.
» Illinois improved to 9-26 all-time against Michigan
» The triumph over Michigan marked Sickels 12 complete game and second complete-game shutout this year
» As a team, the Illini now own nine shutouts this year.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Wolverines at a 5-4 clip.
» Illinois went 2-for-4 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
