Illinois softball lost to No. 8/10 UCLA by a score of 10-1 in six innings on April 11 at Eichelberger Field in Urbana. The Fighting Illini, now holding an overall record of 11-30 and a Big Ten Conference record of 2-11, struggled against the Bruins during the second game of their series.
The University of Illinois Fighting Illini Women’s Softball program competes in intercollegiate games as part of the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I level, according to the official website. The team plays its home games in Urbana, Illinois.
During Saturday’s game, both teams were scoreless through two innings before UCLA scored six runs in the third inning with back-to-back three-run home runs from Jordan Woolery and Bri Alejandre. In the fourth inning, Jolyna Lamar hit a solo home run for UCLA, followed by another solo shot from Aleena Garcia in the fifth that extended their lead. Illinois managed to get on the board after Ady Kiddy walked and Ella Cushing singled; Adisyn Caryl then hit an RBI double scoring Alaina Miller. However, a play at home plate ended further scoring chances for Illinois.
UCLA added two more runs with a sacrifice fly from Woolery and an RBI single from Mia Phillips after three walks loaded the bases. The Bruins secured victory via run rule after six innings.
Megan Nuechterlein started for Illinois, pitching 2.2 innings with two strikeouts and conceding five runs as she moved to a season record of 2-5. Ella Cushing went one-for-one at bat for her seventh hit this season across twenty-four appearances while Adisyn Caryl contributed her seventh double—just one behind team leader Skylar Brennan who has eight doubles this year.
The Fighting Illini serves as the nickname for University of Illinois athletics teams according to their official website. The women’s softball program continues its schedule focused on intercollegiate competition within NCAA Division I play.
Illinois will conclude its series against UCLA on Sunday, April 12 with first pitch scheduled for noon Central Time.
