CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. - Illinois softball opened the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic with an 11-9Â loss to #21 California at Big League Dreams on Friday afternoon.
After dropping the game to the ranked Bears, the Fighting Illini fell to 1-5 on the season. Cal improved to 11-1 during the 2024Â campaign.
Offensively, the Fighting Illini were led by Abby Ryniec, who went 3-for-4 on the day with a walk and three RBI. Kelly Ryono furnished a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI. Sydney Malott also chipped in for Illinois, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding a double, a walk and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Cal drew first blood, scoring on a error in the top of the opening frame. The lead did not last for the Bears, however, with Ryono getting the Illini offense going with a leadoff single to start the bottom of the frame. With the runner on third, Ryniec's clutch hitting tied the contest, sending an RBI single through the left side.
The Bears regained the advantage in the following frame with the Illini allowing eight runs from three separate pitchers.
Trailing 11-3 following a two-run third inning for Cal, Illinois loaded the bases quickly with a pair of singles and a walk with one out on the board. Delaney Mosley singled through the right side for her first collegiate hit, scoring a run in the process. Eileen Donahue added on a run after she was hit by a pitch, leaving the Fighting Illini behind, 11-3.
Looking to extend the game in the fifth, the Illini tallied a pair of singles and a walk with one away. Ryono sent a double down the left-field line, scoring two on the play. Serena Starks followed with an RBI single of her own, cutting the deficit to five.
Down to their final three outs, Ryono began a late rally with her third hit of the day. Stevie Meade also reached on a single, and a Malott double scored Ryono on the play. Ryniec drove in two Illini baserunners on a single to right field, but a pop out sealed the Illini's fate and the 11-9 loss.
UP NEXT
Illinois softball is back in action against Cal Poly on Saturday. First pitch from Big League Dreams is slated for 11:30 a.m. CTÂ on FloSports.
GAME NOTES
» Illinois wore orange jerseys for the first time this year.
» The Illini moved to 0-8 all-time against Cal.
» The Fighting Illini got three-hit games from both Ryono and Ryniec.
» Illinois went 7-for-13 (.538) with runners in scoring position.
» The Fighting Illini got two hits in four at-bats with the bases loaded.
» Every Fighting Illini starter reached base safely in the loss.
» Five Illinois hitters had multiple base knocks in the ballgame.
» Delaney Mosley tallied her first collegiate hit, an RBI single.
» Illinois left 12 runners stranded on base in the loss.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Golden Bears at a 16-13 clip.
