URBANA, Ill. – The Illinois softball team fell to Purdue, 11-4, at Eichelberger Field on Saturday afternoon.
With the loss, the Fighting Illini dropped to 15-24 this year with a 2-9 conference record. The Boilermakers improved to 20-18 overall and 7-4 in Big Ten play.
Lauren Wiles got the start and took the loss, tossing 4.0 innings and allowing eight runs, four earned, while fanning three. Offensively, the Illini were led by Eileen Donahue, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Serena Starks logged a 1-for-3 day at the plate with a triple. Paige Berkmeyer logged a 1-for-3 day at the dish with an RBI and a walk.
How it happened
Purdue came out hot, scoring a trio of runs in the opening frame.
However, the second inning favored the Illini as a slew of errors and an RBI single from Gabrielle Debevec helped the Orange and Blue push its first run across the plate. Donahue launched her first home run as an Illini with two outs on the board, tying the game at three runs apiece.
After a scoreless third by both squads, Purdue derailed the Orange and Blue defense, scoring five runs in the fourth inning.
Starks began a rally in the fifth with a leadoff triple. Berkmeyer knocked a single into right field, scoring the runner on third to cut into Purdue's 8-4 advantage.
The Boilermakers extended the lead, 11-4, in the sixth. Down to their final six outs, the Illini went scoreless, ending the home loss.
Up Next
The Fighting Illini conclude its series with Purdue at Eichelberger Field tomorrow. Sunday's first pitch is slated for 12 p.m. on B1G+.
Notes
» Illinois wore anthracite jerseys, moving to 4-5 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 33-20 against Purdue.
» Illinois fell to 1-10 at home.
» Eileen Donahue tallied her first collegiate homer.
» Serena Starks tallied her first triple in the Orange and Blue.
» Attendance was called at 921.
