FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Illinois softball took down Missouri State, 4-2, to start the second day of the Wooo Pig Classic at Bogle Park.
The Fighting Illini improved to 9-7 during the 2025 campaign while the Bears dropped 1-13 this season.
Eileen Donahue led the way offensively, going 1-for-3 at the plate with a home run and two RBI. Stevie Meade posted a solid day on offense, recording an RBI triple. Adisyn Caryl went 1-for-1 with a solo home run.
In the circle for the Orange and Blue was Lauren Wiles (5-2), who tossed a complete game, allowing two runs on four hits while fanning four.
How it Happened
Both teams went scoreless through two innings, but it was the Bears that struck in the third, owning the 2-0 advantage.
The Illini struck back in the bottom of the fourth, beginning with Caryl's second base on balls. With two away, Donahue jacked a home run over the wall in left center, knotting the game 2-2.
Ava Moore began the fifth with a single, continuing the momentum from the previous frame. The freshman crossed home plate after Meade raked an RBI triple to wall in right center, earning Illinois the 3-2 edge.
In the following inning, Caryl sent a ball out of the park, her fifth homer of the year, extending the 4-2 lead in the sixth.Â
Despite getting two easy outs to start the seventh, the Illini struggled to find the final out as Missouri State put a pair of runners on. However, a grounded ended the game, sealing the victory for the Illini.
Up Next
The Orange and Blue ready for a rematch with #11/12 Arkansas. First pitch is slated for 5:30 p.m. on SECN+.
Notes
» Illinois wore anthracite jerseys, moving to 3-1 while donning those.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Bears at a 5-4 clip.
» Eileen Donahue recorded her third homer of the season.
» The complete game was the third of the season for Lauren Wiles.
» Wiles limited Missouri State to just 1-for-5 (.200) with runners in scoring position.
» Illinois moved to 2-1 all-time against Missouri State.
