FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Illinois softball fell to #11/12 Arkansas, 12-4 , in six innings at Bogle Park as a part of the Wooo Pig Classic on Friday night.
The Fighting Illini dropped to 8-7 for the 2025 campaign. The ranked Razorbacks improved to 16-1 this season.
Lauren Wiles (4-2) got the ball to start in the circle and the pitcher went the distance for her second complete game of the year. Ella Cushing led the way offensively, posting a 2-for-3Â day at the plate, including a home run and two RBI.
How it Happened
Arkansas went ahead in the bottom of the first with a two-run homer to left field.
The Illini battled back in the following frame with Paige Berkmeyer earning a one-out walk. Cushing followed the catcher with a no-doubter over the left-field fence, locking the game, 2-2.
The Razorbacks added an RBI triple in the bottom of the second. The following inning, the Illini allowed Arkansas to plate three, extending the four-run deficit for the Fighting Illini.
The Orange and Blue continued to fight with Berkmeyer, once again, starting a rally by reaching base before Cushing sent a single down the right field line. After a passed ball advanced the runners into scoring position, an Arkansas blunder scored the duo, leaving the Fighting Illni behind by a pair.
Trailing 6-4 after a scoreless fifth by both teams, the Illini gave up six runs in the bottom of the sixth, ending the 12-4 defeat to ranked Arkansas.
Up Next
The Orange and Blue ready for a rematch with Missouri State. First pitch is slated for 12:30 p.m.
Notes
» Illinois wore navy jerseys, moving to 4-2 while donning those.
» The Fighting Illini fell to 2-2 all-time against Arkansas.
» The Orange and Blue dropped to 0-2 against ranked teams this season.
» Paige Berkmeyer has reached safely in 10-straight games.
» Ella Cushing hit her second home run of the year.
» Illinois dropped to 2-1 in shortened games.
