The battle for the Big Ten rages on this weekend at Eichelberger Field as the Fighting Illini host No. 8 Michigan. Illinois (24-12, 7-4 Big Ten) has yet to defeat a ranked conference opponent this season, but excitement is running high for the upcoming weekend following Wednesday’s doubleheader sweep of Indiana.

Head coach Terri Sullivan isn’t down playing the importance of defeating Indiana, despite welcoming the feisty Wolverines (30-9, 6-2) to Urbana.

“All conference games really, I know it’s tough because you look on paper at records and rankings, but everybody brings their best,” Sullivan said. “And so do we expect Michigan to bring their best? Yes, and we know that we’re going to have to bring our best as well. But doubleheader, midweek, to get a sweep is big, and you have to go at every game like it means everything.”

Freshman pitcher Monica Perry led the way for the Fighting Illini against Indiana, fanning a combined 20 Hoosiers and allowing just two runs on the night.

The righty has been working on her off-speed pitch all season, and now she feels it’s coming around at an opportune time.

“Off speed’s coming along really good, so I’m just going to try to keep that up,” Perry said. “Especially, too, against a team like Michigan who has a lot of like power hitters and stuff, a changeup or like an off speed will slow their bats down so the ball won’t get hit as hard.”

Slowing the Wolverine’s offense will not be an easy task, however.

Michigan enters Eichelberger Field riding a 10-game winning streak. Leading the way for the Wolverines’ offense is freshman utility player Amanda Chidester, who is batting .382 with 28 RBIs and six homers.

“We have to have offense and defense and great pitching,” Sullivan said. “We need to be fundamentally sound, same as last weekend at Ohio State. We brought a lot of offense, but we didn’t bring the defense. You need to bring both sides and just play ball.

“It’s going to be a real exciting day for us and a great quality opponent, and our team thrives in situations like that,” Sullivan added.

The Illini offense will have its work cut out for it against Michigan pitcher Nikki Nemitz. The junior boasts a 0.77 ERA and an 18-5 record. Her counterpart, sophomore Jordan Taylor, is 12-4 with a 1.52 ERA. The duo combined to no-hit Eastern Michigan on Wednesday.

“Obviously they’re awesome,” sophomore shortstop Ashley Conrad said of Michigan. “Both of their pitchers are very good. We faced them last year.”

For Conrad, it will be yet another chance to face a former teammate. The shortstop played travel ball with Michigan freshman second baseman Stephanie Kirkpatrick.

“It’s kind of another game that I have to go up against a previous teammate,” Conrad said. “So hopefully we come out swinging like we have been, and we need a big win.”

Not all the excitement about the coming weekend is centered on softball, however. The World’s Largest Softball Tailgate is set for Saturday. Players and coaches alike are looking forward to the event.

“We really believe it’s a great day for the community and obviously for Illinois softball and Illinois athletics. There’s something going on for everybody,” Sullivan said. “It’s just a great chance to showcase great softball. We’ve got a quality opponent coming in, and we’re really looking forward to the day and hope it’s a packed house.”