Chambana Sun

Illinois is set to host Washington in a pair of softball games at Eichelberger Field in Urbana, Illinois, on March 28-29. This event has been designated as a "Bark in the Park" weekend. The games are scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., with both matches available to watch on B1G+.

Stevie Meade, a senior member of the Illinois team, is close to setting a new record for sacrifice hits. Meade currently has 30 career sacrifice bunts and needs one more to hold the record outright.

Illinois has been notable for its offense this season, with players like Ava Moore, Zoie Howard, Alaina Miller, and Yazzy Avila each contributing triples. Moore, Howard, and Miller lead the team with two triples each. Illinois's total of eight triples ties them for 11th place in their program's history.

Paige Berkmeyer has shown her skills as a catcher by catching 38 runners attempting to steal bases, which is the third-highest in the school's records. Lauren Wiles has also been a key player, recording 107 appearances and 64 starts, ranking her sixth and eighth respectively in the school's history.

The Washington Huskies come into the games with a 24-9 overall record, boasting a strong pitching lineup, including Morgan Reimer and Sophia Ramuno, who have reached 90 or more strikeouts this season. The team has a combined ERA of 2.41 and thrives offensively, with Alexis DeBoer and Jaidyn Giab leading in home runs.

Illinois welcomed 13 new players to their team in the off-season, including 10 freshmen and three transfer students. Notable new players, Lizzie Stiverson and Karley Yergler, both hail from nearby areas.

This season, Illinois's team is the youngest in the Big Ten, featuring 17 underclassmen on the roster. Coach Tyra Perry is one of 21 Black female head coaches in NCAA Division I softball this year, and one of three leading a team in a power conference.

The Illinois staff includes notable alumni such as associate head coach Laura Trout, a former standout at the University of Georgia, and assistant coach Kirsten Verdun, who made her mark at DePaul University.

Some players have received preseason recognition, including Ava Moore, who was named to Softball America's Freshman Watchlist. Returners like Paige Berkmeyer and Adisyn Caryl have been noted on the Big Ten Players to Watch list.

In 2024, Illinois wrapped up their season with a 21-31 record, standing 12th in the Big Ten. They secured series wins against Michigan State and Maryland.