CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois softball topped Illinois State, 3-1, in a non-conference clash at Eichlberger Field on Wednesday.
The Fighting Illini improved to 12-9 for the 2025 campaign while the Redbirds dropped to 6-18 this season.Â
London Park got her second collegiate start in the circle and earned her first win as the freshman went 5.0 innings and allowed just one run on five hits. Megan Nuechterlein tossed the final two innings, earning the save, her first of the year.
Yazzy Avila led the way, going a 2-for-2 with an RBI. Adisyn Caryl and Paige Berkmeyer also posted a solid day at the plate with each hitting 2-for-3.
How it Happened
Illinois jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of first following RBI singles from Ava Moore and Avila.
Following a scoreless third and fourth, the Redbirds added a run in the fifth, cutting the Illini advantage in half.
The Orange and Blue charged back in the bottom of the frame as Caryl led off with a double off the wall. Berkmeyer knocked an RBI single up the middle, putting Illinois ahead 3-1.
With Nuechterlein dealing in the circle, the Illini maintained the two-run edge, closing out the victory.
Up Next
The Orange and Blue open Big Ten play with a home series against Wisconsin. Friday's first pitch is slated for 5 p.m. on B1G+.
Notes
» Illinois wore anthracite jerseys, moving to 3-1 while donning those.
» Eileen Donahue extended her reached base streak to five games.
» Paige Berkmeyer extended her reached base streak to five games.
» Nuechterlein's save was the team's second of the year.
» Illinois pitchers limited Illinois State to just 2-for-11 (.182) with runners in scoring position.
» Four Illini had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Redbirds at a 12-5 clip.
» Illinois went 4-for-10 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
» Illinois improved to 17-9 against Illinois State.
Â
