CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. – Illinois softball fell in five innings, 10-2, to #19 UCLA at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic on Saturday.
The Fighting Illini dropped to 2-6 overall, while the ranked Bruins improved to 6-4 this season.
Senior Tori McQueen started and took the loss in the circle for Illinois.
Abby Ryniec led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, going 1-for-2 in the ballgame with a double and two RBI. Kelly Ryono furnished a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-3.
How it happened
The Fighting Illini offense struck first in the top of the opening frame, with Ryono recording a leadoff single. A one-out walk to Stevie Meade followed before the duo scored on a double from the bat of Ryniec.
Leading 2-0Â heading into the bottom of the third, UCLA recorded a triple and a sacrifice fly, adding a run for the opposition. A three-run homer by the Bruins followed in the fourth, putting Illinois behind, 4-2. UCLA tacked on six runs in the fifth, ending the game on a three-run home run to hand the Fighting Illini the 10-2 loss.
Up Next
Illinois prepares for its final game at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic as the team faces Hawaii at 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday. Fans can catch the game on FloSports.
Notes
» Illinois wore navy jerseys, moving to 1-1 while donning those.
» Abby Ryniec extended her hitting streak to six games.
» The Fighting Illini are 0-2 in abbreviated games.
» Illinois pitchers faced 28 UCLA hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and five fly balls while striking out two.
» The Illini move to 1-3 all-time against UCLA.
