URBANA, Ill. — Illinois softball (11-30, 2-11 Big Ten) fell to UCLA, 10-1 (six innings) on Saturday afternoon at Eichelberger Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first two innings passed scoreless before the Bruins put up six runs in the third inning, propelled by a pair of three-score home runs from Jordan Woolery and Bri Alejandre.
In the fourth frame, Jolyna Lamar led off with a solo shot to center field, the lone run of the inning. Another solo home run from Aleena Garcia in the fifth increased UCLA's lead to eight runs.
Pinch hitter Ady Kiddy led off the bottom of the fifth inning with a walk, and Ella Cushing put two runners on with a single, her second hit in as many games of the series. An RBI double from Adisyn Caryl scored Alaina Miller, who re-entered to run, but a play at the plate ended the frame before any more runs could score.
A sacrifice fly from Woolery and bases-loaded single from Mia Phillips after three walks plated the final pair of runs for the Bruins. UCLA took the 10-1 victory in six innings.
POSTGAME NOTES
- Megan Nuechterlein got the nod in the circle, her third start in the Fighting Illini's last four outings.
- She added two strikeouts and walked two batters in 2.2 innings of work, falling to 2-5 on the season after conceding five runs.
- Ella Cushing was 1-for-1 at the plate for her second consecutive game, adding her seventh hit of the season in her 24th appearance.
- Adisyn Caryl was 1-for-2 at the plate with a double, her seventh double this season.
- Her seven doubles are one shy of the team-lead held by Skylar Brennan, with eight.
- Eden Echevarria was 1-for-1 at the plate, in her 13th start of the season.
UP NEXT
Illinois concludes the series against UCLA at noon CT on Sunday, April 12. The game can be streamed on B1G+.
