Illinois State vs Illinois | Big Ten Softball

With the game tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning, senior Kiana Sherlund knocked an RBI single to left field to score freshman pinch runner Hannah Sasaki as the Illinois softball team went on for the 2-1 victory over Illinois State on Wednesday (April 3) night at Eichelberger Field.

We have been playing tight, so we are really trying to play free and play loose," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We know that the midweek games, especially against opponents in our state, they are well-coached and there are a lot of great programs, so we cannot take anyone for granted. We have to respect everyone and we know that and are working on our fight. I am proud of my team. I do not like the three errors, so we are trying to work through that and trying out a couple of different things to solidify ourselves defensively. We still have to play softball. At this point, it is April and it is the team that fights the most that wins."

Senior Stephanie Abello paced the Illini (23-9) at the plate with a 3-for-3 effort with an RBI and a run, while Sherlund, sophomore Bella Loya and freshman Avrey Steiner each turned in two hits in the win.

The Redbirds jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after scoring on a fielding error in the second inning and would hold that advantage until the fifth frame when Abello knocked a ball to deep centerfield for her second home run of the season.

With neither team scoring as the game moved into the seventh, Abello led off the inning with a single, before Steiner notched a clutch single through the left side to put runners on the corners for Sherlund. The Fairfax, Va., native then sent the Illini to the 2-1 win with a bloop to left field.

Freshman Sydney Sickels (15-4) picked up the win after not allowing ISU a hit and giving up just one walk and striking out one in 1.2 shutout innings in relief. Senior Taylor Edwards started and went 5.1 frames, giving up one unearned run on two hits and three walks and striking out one.

The Illini totaled 10 hits on the night, but committed three errors.