Chambana Sun

Illinois softball is set to begin its Big Ten season with a series against Wisconsin at Eichelberger Field in Urbana. The games are scheduled for March 14-16, with the first game on Friday at 3 p.m., followed by Saturday's game at 1 p.m., and concluding on Sunday at noon. All matches will be broadcast on B1G+.

Stevie Meade, a senior for Illinois, has been a consistent presence in the lineup and holds the single-season record for most sacrifice hits with 13 in 2022. She is one sacrifice bunt away from becoming the program's all-time leader in this category.

The Fighting Illini have recorded eight triples this season, tying them for 11th most in program history. Ava Moore and Alaina Miller rank fifth in the league with an average of 0.10 triples per game.

Yazzy Avila leads Illinois with a perfect record of six stolen bases this season. The team is currently on a three-game winning streak after victories over Indiana State and Illinois State.

Wisconsin enters the weekend with a 16-8 overall record, coming off a strong performance at the Saluki Invitational. Sophomore Hilary Blomberg, recognized as a First Team All-Big Ten selection last year, returns as a key player for Wisconsin.

Illinois has historically performed well against Wisconsin, holding a 33-22 all-time record. The teams last met during the Big Ten Tournament in May 2023 when Illinois secured an upset victory.

This series marks the first meeting between these programs since former Wisconsin pitching coach Kirsten Verdun joined Illinois' staff. Other connections include Danielle Zymkowitz, now associate head coach for Wisconsin but previously inducted into the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame.

Illinois added significant new talent during the offseason, including local players Lizzie Stiverson and Karley Yergler from Parkland College. The team is notably young this season, featuring 17 underclassmen on its roster.

Head coach Tyra Perry is among only three Black female head coaches leading programs in power conferences within Division-I softball. Last year's matchup between Michigan State and Illinois was notable as it featured two Black female head coaches facing off at this level for the first time.

Ava Moore received multiple preseason honors before this campaign began, including being named to several watchlists recognizing her potential impact as a freshman infielder.

Returning players Paige Berkmeyer and Adisyn Caryl were acknowledged on the Big Ten Players to Watch list following their impressive performances last season.

Illinois finished last year with a 21-31 overall record and placed 12th in Big Ten play for consecutive seasons but aims to improve upon that standing starting with this weekend's series against Wisconsin.