Chambana Sun

Illinois softball is set to participate in the Roar City Invitational this weekend, taking place from February 14-16 at Tiger Field in Nashville, Tennessee. The Fighting Illini will face Stony Brook, Quinnipiac, Mercer, and host Tennessee State over the course of the tournament.

Stevie Meade remains a key player for Illinois. Meade holds the single-season record for most sacrifice hits with 13 in 2022 and is close to becoming the program's all-time leader in this category. The team also boasts three players—Zoie Howard, Alaina Miller, and Yazzy Avila—who have each recorded a triple this season.

In their last outing, Illinois lost to UCF with a score of 4-0. Lauren Wiles started as pitcher but took the loss after allowing four unearned runs on four hits. Danika Frazier provided relief pitching for 4.1 innings, giving up just one hit.

The Stony Brook Seawolves began their season with a 1-4 record at the Felsberg Invitational. Last year they had a strong performance with a 35-17 overall record. Key players include Kyra McFarland and Catherine Anne Kupinski who received regional honors last season.

Tennessee State has started their season with a 2-3 record at the Trojan Classic. Anayah Baker-Rowell and Onnika Spencer are standout players from last year’s squad that finished with an overall record of 26-25.

Mercer opened their season with a balanced 2-2 record at the Heart of Georgia Classic. Tori Hedgecock is noted for her impressive performance last year when she posted significant batting statistics.

Quinnipiac will start their season at this tournament after finishing last year with a 19-26 overall record. Notable players include Mary Fogg and Natalie Apatiga who both earned league honors for their performances.

Illinois has added new talent to its roster during the offseason including Lizzie Stiverson and Karley Yergler from Parkland College. With ten freshmen among its ranks, Illinois enters as one of the youngest teams in the Big Ten conference.

Head coach Tyra Perry is one of only three Black female head coaches leading programs in power conferences within Division-I softball. Her leadership continues to be notable within collegiate sports circles.

Several players have been recognized ahead of this season including Ava Moore who was named to multiple watchlists. Returning players Paige Berkmeyer and Adisyn Caryl were acknowledged on the Big Ten Players to Watch list following solid performances last year.

Last season Illinois finished with an overall record of 21-31 and placed twelfth in Big Ten play for two consecutive years. Despite key departures like Kelly Ryono and Tori McQueen, Illinois looks forward to building on past experiences into this new season.