Chambana Sun

Illinois softball is set to face Rutgers in a three-game Big Ten series, beginning with the first game scheduled for Friday at 12 p.m. CT. The series continues with Saturday's match at 10 a.m. CT and concludes Sunday at 12 p.m. CT. All games will be broadcasted on B1G+.

Four Illinois freshmen have made notable contributions this season, each scoring a home run. Ella Cushing scored a pinch-hit grand slam against Central Michigan, Ava Moore hit a homer against Northern Colorado, Ellie Haggard launched her first against #8 Oregon, and Keirys Click hit her first home run at Northwestern. The team has nine players who have hit home runs this season.

Yazzy Avila, an outfielder for Illinois, has been hit by a pitch 11 times, tying for seventh place in the program's single-season record book.

Keirys Click has been recognized as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week following her performance that led to a series win over Michigan State. Click has demonstrated versatility, playing shortstop, catcher, and second base, accumulating six putouts and three assists over the series.

"Athletics Director Josh Whitman expressed his support for Illinois' young team, stating their potential and growth."

Stevie Meade continues to be a key player for Illinois, holding the single-season record for most sacrifice hits and the program's career record for sacrifice bunts.

Five Illinois players have recorded triples this season, with Moore, Howard, and Miller securing the most with two each. The team has already tied for the 11th most triples in program history, 19 games into the season.

Paige Berkmeyer stands out as a catcher with 41 runners caught stealing, ranked third in the program's history.

Lauren Wiles, a senior pitcher, holds sixth place in the program's record book with 112 appearances.

In previous competition, Illinois defeated NIU with a 9-2 victory, thanks in part to Karley Yergler's pitching and Ella Cushing's performance at the plate.

Rutgers has a current record of 17-23 and is 1-14 in Big Ten play, with a team batting average of .236 overall and a .198 in league play.

Illinois has added 13 newcomers this season, including Lizzie Stiverson and Karley Yergler from Parkland College. The team is the youngest in the Big Ten, comprising a mix of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

The team's head coach, Tyra Perry, is one of the 21 Black female head coaches in Division-I softball, highlighting the presence of diversity within the sport.

The team's opening game features connections for coaches Laura Trout and Kirsten Verdun with their alma maters.

Five players have received preseason recognition for 2025, with Ava Moore being highlighted on several lists, while Ellie Haggard and London Park have also received attention.

Returning players Paige Berkmeyer and Adisyn Caryl were noted in the Big Ten Players to Watch list, based on their strong performances in previous seasons.

Illinois ended the previous season with a 21-31 overall record and a 7-15 Big Ten record, finishing 12th in the league for a second consecutive year. Despite facing significant player losses, the team aims to improve in the current season.