LINCOLN, Neb. – Illinois softball continued Big Ten play with a five-inning loss to Nebraska, 16-6, at Bowlin Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Illinois dropped to 12-15 on the year with a 0-2 conference record, while Nebraska improved to 18-13 overall and 2-0 in league play.
Abby Ryniec went 2-for-2 with a pair of doubles and a walk in addition to her four RBI for the Fighting Illini. Sydney Malott put together a solid day at the plate as well, going 2-for-3 with a double. Adisyn Caryl also contributed for Illinois, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding an RBI.
How it happened
After a scoreless opening frame by both squads, Nebraska got on the board first, adding three runs in the bottom of the second.
The Fighting Illini rallied in the third with three straight singles. Ryniec scored a pair with a double before Caryl logged a sacrifice fly, tying the game at three apiece.
The Huskers did not go away quietly, scoring 13 unanswered over the next two innings.
Looking to extend the game while trailing 16-3, Reese Hunkins shifted the momentum with single and Malott followed with a double. Ryniec recorded her second double of the game, emptying the bases. An error added another run for the Illini, but the deficit was too much to overcome and the team fell, 16-6.
Up Next
Illinois faces Nebraska in the final game of the Big Ten series at 12 p.m. on Sunday, weather permitting. Fans can catch the action from Bowlin Stadium on B1G+.
Notes
» Illinois wore orange jerseys, moving to 4-3 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 12-21 all-time against Nebraska.
» Kelly Ryono extended her reached-base streak to 13 games.
» Megan Ward extended her hitting streak to eight games.
» Hunkins recorded her first collegiate hit.
» Illinois went 4-for-11 (.364) with runners in scoring position.
