AUBURN, Ala. – The Illinois softball team closed out its run at the Tiger Invitational on Sunday with a 6-5 loss to RV/#23 Virginia Tech at Jane B. Moore Field.
With the defeat, the Fighting Illini moved to 0-3 this year, while the Hokies improved to 4-0-1.
Lauren Wiles got the ball to start and took the loss, pitching 2.2 innings. Briana Bower came in relief, tossing 3.1 innings. Offensively, Sydney Malott led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, going 1-for-3 in the ballgame with two RBI.
How it happened
After a scoreless first for both squads, the Illini fell behind, 2-0, following a two-run blast by the opposition.
The Orange and Blue threatened in the top of the third, loading the bases with just one away. A single by Malott brought a pair of runners home, knotting the contest. With Abby Ryniec at the plate, VT made a costly error, resulting the Illini taking the 4-2 lead heading into the bottom of the third.
However, the advantage did not last long as the Hokies' second long ball of the game put VT ahead, 5-4. A solo home run in the following frame doubled the opponent's advantage.
In the top of the fifth, Kelly Ryono began the at-bat with a single, and an error put the outfielder on third. A wild pitch with Malott at the plate scored the runner, leaving Illinois behind by just a run.
Bower tossed a scoreless fifth and sixth, but it was not enough as the Fighting Illini fell to Virginia Tech, 6-5.
Up Next
Illinois heads to Leesburg, Fla., for The Spring Games from Feb. 16-18. The team opens against Liberty with first pitch slated for 1 p.m. CT.
Game Notes
» Illinois wore anthracite jerseys for the first time.
» Sydney Malott and Kelly Ryono tallied a hit in all three games over the weekend.
» The team plated five runs, the most this young season.
» The team tied its season-high, drawing five walks.
» Illinois dropped to 3-4 all-time against Virginia Tech.
