Chambana Sun

Illinois softball's winning streak ended with a 4-0 loss to NC State at The Marucci Classic. The Fighting Illini now have a record of 7-6, while the Wolfpack stands at 10-5.

Megan Nuechterlein started for Illinois and took the loss, bringing her season record to 1-2. Lauren Wiles relieved her, pitching two innings and striking out two batters.

NC State took an early lead in the first inning with a run. Both teams were scoreless in the second inning before Illinois allowed a solo home run in the third, increasing NC State's lead. A defensive error by Illinois in the fourth inning helped NC State extend their lead to 4-0.

Ava Moore broke up NC State's no-hitter in the sixth inning but only reached second base. Illinois could not find an offensive rhythm and ended the game without scoring.

Next, Illinois will participate in the Wooo Pig Classic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, from February 28 to March 2.

Notes from the game include Illinois wearing white jerseys and dropping to 0-2 in those uniforms. Paige Berkmeyer extended her streak of reaching base to eight games, while Ava Moore continued her hitting streak to four games. This loss marked Illinois' third shutout defeat this season and dropped them to 1-2 all-time against NC State.