Chambana Sun

Illinois softball concluded the Wooo Pig Classic with a 3-1 loss to Iowa at Bogle Park on Sunday. The Fighting Illini's record now stands at 9-9, while Iowa improved to 13-5 this season. Although both teams are Big Ten members, this game was considered non-conference.

Lauren Wiles started for Illinois and took the loss, making her record 5-3. She pitched 3.2 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and striking out three batters. Karley Yergler also pitched, giving up only three hits in her 2.1 innings.

Ava Moore had a standout performance for Illinois with two extra-base hits in a 2-for-3 showing, including a triple, a home run, and an RBI.

The game remained scoreless through the first two innings until Moore hit a home run over the left field fence to give Illinois the lead. However, Iowa responded by loading the bases in the fourth inning and scored after Illinois walked in a run. They added two more runs in that inning to take a 3-1 lead.

Despite having three more innings to recover, Illinois could not score again and fell to Iowa in their final tournament game.

Looking ahead, Illinois will host Saint Louis for their home opener on Friday at Eichelberger Field with the first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.

Additional notes from the game include:

- Illinois wore white jerseys and have lost all three games wearing them.

- The team's all-time record against Iowa is now 31-29.

- Ava Moore's home run was her second of the year as a freshman.

- Moore extended her hitting streak to three games.

- Illinois finished with a 2-3 record at the Wooo Pig Classic.

- The team is winless against conference opponents when games are not counted towards conference play.

- They are also winless against power conference opponents this season.