EVANSTON, Ill. - Fighting Illini softball knocked off Northwestern, 2-1, highlighting a 1-1 day at Drysdale Field.
Illinois moved to 15-19 overall and 2-7 in Big Ten play. Northwestern owned a 20-13-1 overall mark including a 9-1 league mark, with the lone blemish coming from the Orange and Blue.
GAME ONE
Karley Yergler tossed a complete game, moving to 5-3 on the year as the junior allowed just one run on three hits while fanning four. Yergler also limited Northwestern to just 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
The Fighting Illini out-hit the Wildcats at a 6-3 clip. The Orange and Blue also drew four walks from Northwestern pitching. Adisyn Caryl led the Fighting Illini at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a double. Ella Cushing was solid at the plate, with a 1-for-3 day and an RBI.
How it Happened
Trailing 1-0 in the sixth, the Illini bats came alive with an Eilleen Donahue single beginning a rally. A bunt single from Keirys Click with a two-base error tied the game before an RBI single from Cushing gave Illinois the 2-1 edge.
The pair of runs were all that the Orange and Blue needed, with Yergler going the distance to hand the Wildcats their first loss in Big Ten play.
GAME TWO
Keirys Click was a bright spot among the 8-2 loss for Illinois. The freshman went 2-for-3 at the plate with a home run. The long ball was the first of her collegiate career. Paige Berkmeyer caught a runner stealing in the game, the 40th of her career, keeping her third all-time in the record books.
Up Next
Illinois hosts Michigan State for a Big Ten series. First pitch from Friday's contest is slated for 7:30Â p.m. on Big Ten Network.
