Rachel Houck Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Rachel Houck Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois softball will host #21 Ohio State for Senior Weekend at Eichelberger Field from May 2-4, 2025. The series will include three games, with the first on Friday at 5 p.m. CT, the second on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT, and the final game on Sunday at 12 p.m. CT.
According to the historical series data, Ohio State leads Illinois 28-14. The games will be aired on B1G+.
Illinois has four freshmen who achieved home runs this season. Ella Cushing, Ava Moore, Ellie Haggard, and Keirys Click have made their mark in different games. In total, nine Illini players have recorded a home run this year.
Yazzy Avila has been hit by a pitch 11 times this season, placing her in the top ranks of the program's single-season records. Keirys Click was recognized as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week after helping Illinois secure a series win over Michigan State.
Stevie Meade has continued her significant contribution to the team, setting a program record with 32 sacrifice bunts. Five different players have also recorded a triple this season, equating to nine triples overall for the team.
Paige Berkmeyer has been effective as a catcher, recording 41 runners caught stealing, third most in program history. Meanwhile, pitcher Lauren Wiles ranks sixth and eighth respectively in appearances and starts in the record books of the Illinois softball team.
Ohio State, with a strong 41-10-1 record, will present a formidable challenge as it broke the Big Ten record with its 119th home run for the season. Jasmyn Burns leads the Buckeyes with a .476 batting average.
The Fighting Illini have added 13 newcomers for this season, including 10 freshmen and three transfers. Notable recruits are Lizzie Stiverson and Karley Yergler. The Illini are currently classified as the youngest team in the Big Ten.
Head coach Tyra Perry stands out as one of 21 Black female head coaches in Division-I softball. The Illinois team adds historic dimension as it marked the only Power Five level meeting between Black female head coaches.
The series has significance beyond the sports field with coach and alum connections. Laura Trout is the associate head coach returning to face Georgia, and assistant coach Kirsten Verdun from DePaul brings her own accolades.
Preseason recognition saw players like Ava Moore, Ellie Haggard, and London Park, along with returners Paige Berkmeyer and Adisyn Caryl, make noteworthy accomplishments. Last season, Illinois finished 21-31, with key players Kelly Ryono and Tori McQueen having left the team.
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