LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Illinois softball continued its run at the Cardinal Classic with a six-inning victory over Dartmouth, 13-5, at Ulmer Stadium on Saturday.
The Orange and Blue improved to 11-11 on the year, while the Big Green dropped to 3-6 in 2024.
Lauren Wiles started in the circle and picked up the win, moving to 3-4 during her junior campaign. The right-hander went 3.1 innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and fanning a pair of batters. Briana Bower also made an impact in the circle for the Fighting Illini, throwing 2.2 innings in relief.
In addition to her three hits, Adisyn Caryl had a double, a walk and two RBI to lead the Fighting Illini. Megan Ward added a triple and two RBI to her three-hit performance as well. Paige Berkmeyer also helped out for Illinois, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding a double, a walk and two RBI.
How it Happened
After a scoreless opening frame for both squads, Illinois took an early lead in the second following an RBI single from Eileen Donahue. A fielder's choice doubled the Illini edge before Abby Ryniec's single to center scored a pair. Holding a 4-0 lead with the bases loaded, Caryl sent a double to left field, adding two more runs and helping the Orange and Blue take a 6-0 advantage into the third.
The Big Green did not go away quietly, as the team tacked on five unanswered runs, cutting Illinois' lead to just a run.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Fighting Illini offense surged back, beginning with back-to-back singles from Caryl and Ward. One run came across following an error, while Donahue added another RBI single to extend the 8-5 lead.
Back-to-back singles started the Orange and Blue at-bat in the sixth, and an RBI double from Berkmeyer put Illinois ahead, 10-5. After Caryl singled, a triple from Ward helped Illinois gain the 12-5 lead. Gabrielle Debevec walked it off, scoring Ward with her first-career hit to secure the 13-5 victory.
Up Next
Illinois battles Michigan as a part of the Cardinal Classic at Ulmer Stadium on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 11:30 a.m. CT.
Notes
» Illinois wore orange jerseys, moving to 3-2 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 3-0 all-time against Dartmouth.
» Illinois improved to 2-3 in abbreviated games.
» Four Fighting Illini had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Big Green at a 13-8 clip.
» Illinois went 8-for-17 (.471) with runners in scoring position.
