COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Illinois softball shut out Maryland, 4-0, to earn its first Big Ten series victory on Sunday afternoon at the Maryland Softball Stadium.
With the triumph, the Fighting Illini improved to 15-20 this year and 2-6 in league play. The Terrapins dropped to 17-19 this season with a 4-5 mark against Big Ten opponents.
Lauren Wiles got the start, tossing 3.2 innings and allowing four hits and three walks while striking out a pair. Tori McQueen pitched in relief, earning the win after throwing 3.1 innings, allowing two hits, and fanning four batters.
Offensively, Adisyn Caryl went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a home run, the first of Caryl's collegiate career. Stevie Meade added her fourth long ball of the year when she went 1-for-4 at the plate with two RBI. Paige Berkmeyer also contributed for Illinois, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a double and a walk.
How it happened
Both teams put up a scoreless first inning, but the Illini offense came alive in the following frame. A two-run blast by Caryl opened the scoring, and in the following inning, Meade added a two-run homer of her own.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Terps loaded the bases with two away, leaving the Orange and Blue to turn to their bullpen. McQueen entered the circle, forcing a flyout to end the Maryland at-bat.
The bats went quiet for both teams in the following frames, leaving the Illini three outs away from their first Big Ten series win. McQueen caught the batter looking to close out the game, helping the Illini secure the series and the 4-0 victory.
Up Next
Illinois hosts Northwestern at Eichelberger Field on Tuesday. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network.
Notes
» Illinois wore anthracite jerseys, moving to 4-4 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 12-7 all-time against Maryland.
» The Big Ten series win was the first since the team swept Michigan State on April 21-23, 2023.
» Adisyn Caryl tallied her first collegiate homer.
» Paige Berkmeyer caught her 11th and 12th runner stealing.
» Illinois pitchers limited Maryland to just 1-for-6 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
» The Illini improved to 3-3 in shutouts.
» The game was the first combined shutout for the pitching staff this season.
