Illini Stumble in Tuesday Tilt with Wildcats

Tuesday, April 9

Eichelberger Field

7 PM

University of Illinois

15-21, 2-7

Northwestern

23-8, 9-1

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Northwestern	1	1	4	1	0	1	8	10	0
Illinois	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	1

April 9, 2024 | Softball

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Recap

URBANA, Ill. – In a Big Ten midweek matchup, Illinois fell to Northwestern, 8-0, in six innings at Eichelberger Field.

With the loss, the Fighting Illini dropped to 15-21 this year and 2-7 in league play. The Wildcats improved to 23-8 this season with a 9-1 mark against Big Ten opponents.

Lauren Wiles got the start and took the loss as the pitcher tossed 2.2 innings. Kelly Ryono led the way offensively with a 2-for-3 night at the plate.

How it happened

Northwestern scored runs in each of the first four innings to hold the 7-0 edge.

Despite both teams going scoreless in the fifth, the Wildcats tacked on a run in the sixth to leave the Illini down to their final three outs. Paige Berkmeyer and Megan Ward tallied hits, but a double play ended the Fighting Illini's hopes, handing the team the 8-0 loss.

Up Next

Illinois hosts Southern Illinois at Eichelberger Field on Wednesday. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m. on B1G+.

Notes
» Illinois wore orange jerseys, moving to 4-5 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 16-35 all-time against Northwestern.
» Illinois is 3-4 in shutouts.
» The Orange and Blue dropped to 3-8 in shortened games.
» Illinois pitchers limited Northwestern to just 1-for-8 (.125) with runners in scoring position.
» Attendance was called at 243 with an additional 14 dogs.