URBANA, Ill. – Illinois softball fell to Northern Iowa in five innings, 9-0, at Eichelberger Field on Tuesday.
With the loss, the Fighting Illini moved to 12-16 this year, while UNI improved to 14-10 on the season.
Lauren Wiles got the start and took the loss in the circle. Offensively, Eileen Donahue went 2-for-2 in the game, while Stevie Meade logged a 2-for-3 day at the plate.
How it happened
The Fighting Illini fell behind in the opening frame, with Wiles allowing a three-run homer. The opposition added a run in second and four in the third before the Orange and Blue made the change to Juliana Hooker in the circle. The sophomore surrendered a run, putting Illinois behind, 9-0, before heading to the bottom of the frame.
In the bottom of the third, Kelly Ryono and Meade began the inning with back-to-back singles. Paige Berkmeyer followed with a walk, loading the bases with no outs. However, the following batters went down swinging, ending the rally. In the fifth, the team went down in order, ending the shutout loss.
Up Next
Illinois welcomes SIUE for a midweek tilt at Eichelberger Field. First pitch on Wednesday is slated for 5 p.m. on B1G+.
Notes
» Illinois wore white jerseys, moving to 1-5 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 2-1 all-time against UNI.
» Kelly Ryono extended her reached-base streak to 14 games.
» The team dropped to 2-5 in shortened games.
» Attendance on Tuesday afternoon was called at 127.
