LOUISVILLE. – In the team's Cardinal Classic finale, Illinois softball fell to Louisville 5-4, at Ulmer Stadium on Sunday.
The Orange and Blue dropped to 11-13 on the year while the Cardinals moved to 18-9 during the 2024 season.
Adisyn Caryl had three hits, two doubles, to lead the Fighting Illini. Sydney Malott put together a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with two RBI. Kelly Ryono also helped out for Illinois, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding a double, a walk and an RBI.
How it Happened
Both teams started off scoreless In the opening frame, but it was Caryl that began a rally in the second as she started the inning with a leadoff double. Megan Ward switched places with the freshman, driving home the first run of the game. A hit by Malott led to the second run scored of the frame, helping Illinois take the early 2-0 advantage.
In the bottom of the third, the Cardinals tacked on a run. However, Serena Starks rallied with two away in the fourth, reaching on a single. Ryono sent a double to the centerfield fence, scoring Starks on the play.
In the bottom of the frame, Louisville charged back by scoring three runs with two outs on the board, putting the Illini behind, 4-3. A two-out RBI single by Malott tied the game in the top of the fifth but a solo homer gave the lead back to the Cardinals.
Down to the final out trailing 5-4, Caryl sent a double off the right field wall for her third hit of the day and Ward followed with a walk. However, a groundout ended the contest, handing the Illini the loss.
Up Next
Illinois hits the road for a Tuesday clash at Illinois State. First pitch from Marian Kneer Stadium is slated for 5 p.m.
Notes
» Illinois wore white jerseys, moving to 1-5 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 8-5 all-time against Louisville
» Ryono extended her reached base streak to 10 games.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Cardinals at a 9-8 clip.
» Illinois dropped to 0-1 in nationally televised games.
