URBANA, Ill. – Fighting Illini softball fell to Maryland, 8-1, at Eichelberger Field on Saturday afternoon.
Illinois dropped to 28-25 overall and 6-15 in Big Ten play. Maryland improved to 34-15 this season with a 10-11 conference record.
Addy Jarvis started and took the loss in the circle for Illinois. Sydney Sickels, Tori McQueen and Morgan Scivally made appearances out of the bullpen.
Stevie Meade led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, going 2-for-3 in the ballgame with a double and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After both teams went scoreless in the opening frame, the Terps broke open the stalemate in the top of the second, holding the 1-0 edge. Maryland's offense continued to excel, plating three runs in the following inning.
Illinois rallied in the bottom of the third with Gabi Robles reaching on an error and Avrey Steiner drawing a walk to start the Illini at-bat. Meade sent an RBI double to right center field, plating a run for Illinois.
A scoreless fourth followed for both teams before Maryland sent a solo homer over the fence in the following frame to extend the 5-1 advantage over the Fighting Illini. Three more runs came across in the sixth for Maryland, leaving the Illini down to their final three outs.
In the bottom of the seventh, Illinois was sent down in order, concluding the 8-1 defeat to the Terps.
GAME NOTES
» Illinois wore navy jerseys, moving to 6-8 while donning those
» The Illini fell to 4-18 when allowing the opposition to score first.
» Illinois dropped to 10-5 all-time against the Terps.
» Jarvis dropped to 5-4 on the year.
» Illinois fell to 10-9 at home this year.
» Saturday's contest served as the Fighting Illini's Senior day with Danielle Davis, Miranda Gallardo, Brianna Nykaza, Gabi Robles, Delaney Rummell, Morgan Scivally, Kailee Powell, Sydney Sickels and Avrey Steiner receiving recognition postgame.
UP NEXT
Illinois closes out its series with Maryland at Eichelberger Field on Sunday with first pitch set for noon on B1G+.
