Sydney Sickels Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Sydney Sickels Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois secured a 9-4 win over DePaul at Eichelberger Field, bringing their season record to 19-23, while DePaul now stands at 14-28.
Megan Nuechterlein pitched for five innings, conceding one run on three hits, with three walks and two strikeouts. Lauren Wiles and Briana Bower also pitched in relief.
"Keirys Click, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run and two RBI," led the Illinois offense. Paige Berkmeyer added "one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a walk and three RBI." Berkmeyer also highlighted her defensive skills with a runner gunned down for the 41st time in her career.
Stevie Meade contributed with "a noteworthy effort, going 1-for-2 with a triple and two RBI," as well as "a sacrifice bunt, her 31st all-time, to become the program's outright leader in the category."
The game saw an early tie at 1-1 following Click's home run in the first inning. A dominant fourth inning by Illinois saw six runs scored, propelled by "a two-run single off the bat of Berkmeyer and a two-run triple from Meade," which expanded the lead to 8-1.
Though DePaul managed to close the gap slightly with two late runs, Illinois finished the game with a comfortable 9-4 advantage.
Additional notes from the game include Illinois out-hitting DePaul 9-4, two stolen bases by Yazzy Avila, and Illinois pitchers holding DePaul to "just 1-for-11 (.091) with runners in scoring position." Moreover, "every Illinois starter reached base safely," enhancing the team's performance with four walks collected from DePaul's pitching.
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