As a new class of freshmen and transfers arrive in Champaign, softball prepares for a 12-game fall slate. The short schedule allows the team to build chemistry and see how the new roster plays together.
Usually, a lighter schedule, competition-wise, the first 11 matchups are at home. The Greenville Panthers and Danville Jaguars will visit Eichelberger Field this weekend for a doubleheader to kick off the season.
Most of the games this fall are against non-DI programs or intrasquad matchups. The Illini are keeping the schedule local to provide the roster with some easy reps. Several games are also scheduled to last 10 innings, allowing both teams to see all their pitchers in action.
The Illini lost their top pitcher from a year ago, so these exhibitions are essentially tryouts to replace nearly 179 innings. Illinois added four pitchers to the roster to fill Tori McQueen’s shoes, and each make their debut this fall.
Freshmen Danika Frazier and London Park, sophomore Megan Nuechterlein (Kent State) and junior Karley Yergler (Parkland College) join three returning arms who allowed 145 runs in 159 innings. Junior Juliana Hooker, redshirt-junior Briana Bower and senior Lauren Wiles will be expected to raise their level of play as well, using these games to improve.
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Following Saturday’s doubleheader, the Illini have a three-game week. The Lake Land Lakers visit on Sept. 26 for a 10-inning affair, before the McKendree Bearcats and the Illinois Wesleyan Titans come down for a doubleheader on Sept. 28.
Oct. 5 is the final doubleheader of the fall, with the Spoon River Snappers and Kankakee Cavaliers playing back-to-back. The competition rises following that Saturday, with the Alumni Game on Sept. 6 and the Orange and Blue World Series on Oct. 11.
The season ends with Illinois’ only away game when they travel to Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers had a fantastic spring season, advancing to game three of the Super Regionals of the NCAA tournament. Missouri has won the last eight regular-season matchups and provides a great final test of the fall.
Despite most of the games against inferior opponents, the next four weeks are important for the Illini. Consecutive disappointing seasons showed ups and downs for both the offense and pitching, and any chance of a rebound starts now.
@benfader7
