Illinois softball (16-25, 3-10) looks to bounce back this weekend in East Lansing, Michigan, against Michigan State (15-26, 2-12) after losing to Northwestern on Tuesday. Michigan State also looks to return to the win column in this matchup between the worst two records in the Big Ten.
Illinois holds a demanding 28-7 all-time record against Michigan State. Head coach Tyra Perry has an 8-1 record against the opponents and seeks to improve on that record.
“Just play our game, same thing, ” Perry said. “We’re trying to make sure that we solidify our place in the tournament. I think whenever we can definitely do that, I think it’ll help us. ”
Michigan State’s last outing saw them fall to in-state rival Michigan 5-1. Sophomore infielder Hannah Hawley was the only offensive source for Michigan State during the game. Hawley hit her 11th home run during the matchup.
Hawley is a player to keep an eye on for Michigan State as she currently posts a .341 batting average and has hit 11 home runs. Hawley currently leads Michigan State in these statistics.
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Junior pitcher Madison Taylor came in for relief after the start of the first inning. She pitched for 5.2 innings and shut out Michigan. Taylor lowered her season ERA to 4.49 on the season.
Illinois senior pitcher Tori McQueen is looking to shake off her performance against Northwestern. McQueen was credited with the loss and threw for six innings, giving up four hits for four runs.
McQueen’s record dropped to 9-12 on the season after Tuesday’s game. Her ERA is currently at 3.39. Graduate student Kelly Ryono is on a hot streak as she is currently on a four-game hitting streak. Ryono’s batting average sits at .348, adding seven home runs. Both lead the Illini.
“This weekend’s going to be really important,” Perry emphasized. “We need to continue to have confidence and play aggressive softball and kind of get rid of the things that don’t serve us.”
Sophomore second baseman Gabrielle Debevec has been providing the timely hits and aggressive approach at the plate that Perry has been searching for lately. After struggling to make the starting lineup for her first year and a half in Champaign, the coaching staff turned to her for a spark, and she delivered.
“I just feel really confident right now,” said Debevec. “I trust myself. I’m just hunting anything that I know I can hit well … anything to help my team win.”
Debevec has recorded a hit in six of her seven starts this season and takes a four-game hit streak into East Lansing. Not only has she been getting on base, but the middle infielder has stepped up in big spots on multiple occasions, aiding the Illini last weekend.
“I’m just trying not to make the moment as big as it is,” she stated. “It feels really good. I’ve worked really hard my whole career here, and I’m going to keep working hard to prove myself.”
The series begins Friday, April 19, with the first pitch at 4 p.m. The final two games will begin at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
