Chambana Sun

Illinois softball concluded its participation in the Black and Gold Classic with a 4-0 defeat against UCF on Sunday afternoon. This result brings the Fighting Illini's record to 1-4, while the Knights advance to 5-1.

Lauren Wiles started as pitcher for Illinois, taking the loss and moving her season record to 1-1. Wiles pitched for 1.2 innings, allowing four unearned runs on four hits. Danika Frazier relieved Wiles, pitching 4.1 innings and conceding only one hit. On offense, Gabrielle Debevec, Ava Moore, and Alaina Miller each managed to hit singles during the game.

UCF secured an early lead in the bottom of the second inning with a two-out rally that resulted in all four of their runs. The Fighting Illini struggled offensively throughout the game, with their most promising opportunity occurring in the fifth inning when Debevec and Moore achieved consecutive singles. Despite this effort, they were unable to score.

In need of a comeback during the top of the seventh inning, Illinois was retired in order, concluding the game with a shutout at 4-0.

Looking ahead, Illinois will travel to Tennessee State for a tournament scheduled from February 14th to 16th.

Additional notes from the game include:

- Illinois has fallen to 0-3 historically against UCF.

- The team is now 0-2 in games where they have been shut out.

- The Illini failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities going 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position.

- This match marked the first time this season that Illinois wore white jerseys.