PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Fighting Illini softball earned the series opening win at Rutgers, 6-1, on Friday afternoon.
Illinois moved to 21-23 this year and 5-11 in Big Ten play. The Scarlet Knights dropped 17-33 overall and 1-15 against league opponents.
Megan Nuechterlein earned the win for the Orange and Blue as the sophomore went the distance, giving up one run on five hits.
Offensively, the Fighting Illini wentr2-for-4 with runners in scoring position and out-hit Rutgers 7-5. The team was paced by Eileen Donahue, who went 1-for-4 on the day with a home run and an RBI. Gabrielle Debevec put together a standout performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI. Keirys Click also chipped in for Illinois, putting together a 2-for-4 day at the dish.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Fighting Illini struck first with three runs in the second, highlighted by an RBI double from Debevec.
The Scarlet Knights then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 3-1 until the Fighting Illini expanded the advantage in the third. Illinois picked up a run on Donahue's one-out solo homer off freshman Ella Harrison, which brought the Fighting Illini advantage to 4-1.
The Orange and Blue added a run in each of the final two innings, taking down Rutgers, 6-1.
UP NEXT
The Fighting Illini battle Rutgers on Saturday. First pitch is slated for 10 a.m. CT on B1G+.
