Chambana Sun

Illinois softball faced a setback against Missouri, losing 5-3 at Mizzou Softball Field. The Fighting Illini's record now stands at 13-12, while the Tigers improved to 17-13.

Lauren Wiles pitched for 5.2 innings and took the loss, moving to a 6-4 record in her senior season. She allowed three runs on six hits and walked four batters. Megan Nuechterlein made her 11th appearance of the year during the game.

Ella Cushing led Illinois offensively with a solo home run, going 1-for-3. Stevie Meade performed well from the leadoff position, achieving a 2-for-2 day with two doubles.

The game remained scoreless until Missouri hit a solo homer in the fifth inning. Cushing quickly responded with a home run, tying the game at 1-1. In the sixth inning, Missouri scored four runs, bringing the score to 5-1. Illinois attempted a comeback in the seventh inning but fell short despite narrowing the gap to 5-3.

Looking ahead, Illinois will continue its Big Ten play with an upcoming match against #8 Oregon on Friday at 8 p.m. CT.

Additional notes from the game include Illinois wearing orange jerseys and having a record of 4-5 when doing so. Ella Cushing added her fourth home run of the season, and Ava Moore tied for the longest reached base streak this season with ten consecutive games. Lauren Wiles ranks seventh all-time at Illinois for career appearances and eighth in games started. The team has struggled on the road with a current record of 1-6 and has never won against Missouri in Columbia.