ST. LOUIS – Illinois softball closed out the Billiken Spring Tournament with a 7-6 triumph over Saint Louis at the Billiken Sports Center on Monday afternoon.
Illinois improved to 8-9 in 2024, while Saint Louis dropped to 12-7 this season.
Briana Bower got the win out of the bullpen for Illinois. Tori McQueen started the ballgame and went four shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking none and striking out five. The southpaw also picked up her first save of the year.
Stevie Meade led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, going 3-for-4 in the ballgame with a home run and three RBI. Kelly Ryono furnished a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Paige Berkmeyer also chipped in, going 3-for-4 for Illinois with an RBI.
How it Happened
Illinois got off to a hot start with a leadoff homer from Ryono.
A scoreless second and third followed for both teams before the Illini offense got going again, beginning with a leadoff single from Berkmeyer. RBI singles from Eileen Donahue and Serena Starks followed before Meade sent a ball over the left-field fence, extending the 6-0 advantage.
Saint Louis tacked on a run in the bottom of the fifth and added five runs in the following frame, locking the game at 6-6 heading into the final inning.
In the top of the seventh, Meade began the frame with an single before Ryniec took a base on balls. Berkmeyer sent a single to the shortstop, scoring the go-ahead run on the play and putting the Orange and Blue back on top.
Looking to McQueen for the final three outs, the southpaw closed out the game with a strikeout, picking up her first save this year and clinching the 7-6 win for the Fighting Illini.
Up Next
Illinois welcomes #12 Missouri for its home opener on March 13. The doubleheader against the ranked Tigers is slated to begin at 1 p.m. CT.
Notes
» Illinois wore orange jerseys, moving to 2-2 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 4-0 all-time against Saint Louis.
» Illinois got three-hit games from both Meade and Berkmeyer.
» Donahue extended her hitting streak to six games.
» Ryono posted her team-high second long ball of the year.
» Meade recorded her first homer of the year.
» Berkmeyer tallied the go-ahead RBI single on her birthday.
» Illinois went 4-for-10 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
