Energy and winds were high this weekend in Champaign for Illinois’ (13-11, 1-2) first Big Ten series of 2025. The Illini welcomed the Badgers (18-9, 2-1), who ended with the series victory at Eichelberger Field.

Here’s a game-by-game breakdown of the events that unfolded this past weekend and some takeaways from Illinois’ opening conference slate.

Game 1

The Badgers swung hard in the series’ first game and forced a run-rule 15-4 victory in five innings. Illinois was outhit 15-6 in this matchup, but it started the game strong. After back-to-back walks, sophomore third baseman Adisyn Caryl took advantage of runners on base with a single down right field to tie the game at 1-1 in the first inning. 

More action came in the second inning for Illinois. Three singles from junior second baseman Gabrielle Debevec, freshman shortstop Ava Moore and redshirt sophomore right fielder Yazzy Avila, along with a throwing error, brought the Illini lead to 4-2. But after that, the Badgers dominated the rest of the game.

Five Badgers launched home runs over the wall on Friday. Illinois went through three pitchers in this game, but the wind and the batting momentum from Wisconsin was too much to overcome. 

Takeaways, notes

Wisconsin made its presence known early. The team was loud all game long, with countless chants and cheers from the dugout. Additionally, the strong winds worked in its favor and carried its hits far and long, resulting in multiple home runs. The Badgers’ offense won them this game, and with so many runners on base, it was hard for the Illini to limit them. 

Illinois’ bats looked promising to start, but the team couldn’t get anything going after Wisconsin began to take charge. Had the wind not been as strong, this outcome could have been different, and Illinois’ outfielders likely could have made more plays at the wall. 

Game 2

In the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, the Illini were in control at the plate. Caryl, Avila, freshman first baseman Ella Cushing and senior outfielder Stevie Meade all struck gold with home runs in the third and fourth innings. Additionally, senior catcher Paige Berkmeyer went 3-4 at the plate with two RBI. 

Senior right-handed pitcher Lauren Wiles continued her pitching expertise on the mound and picked up her sixth win of the season. While Wisconsin amped up its offensive efforts in the latter half of the game, it wasn’t enough to top Illinois’ impressive four and five-run innings. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Megan Nuechterlein came in for Wiles in the sixth inning and closed the game with a 9-6 win. 

Takeaways, notes

Once again, the young ones made a big difference for the Illini. Moore continued highlighting her athleticism on defense with stealthy playmaking and balancing her abilities with power on offense. Cushing’s getting more experience at the plate and is showing how forcefully she can hit the ball. 

It’s refreshing to see the underclassmen perform well, but it’s also a bright spot for Meade to find her footing in her senior season, going 3-4 at the plate. 

Most importantly, Illinois passed the bats. When each player contributes at the plate, the Illini do their best. 

Game 3

Wisconsin defeated Illinois 8-6 in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader. The Badgers began with a 4-0 lead, but the Illini put up a fight on both sides of the diamond. 

With the bases loaded for Illinois in the second inning, a single from Debevec put the team on the board. In the fifth inning, Meade showed her might once again and propelled a home run over the wall to tie the game at 5-5. 

However, the Badgers countered with two home runs of their own in the sixth inning. From there, the Illini could only muster up one more run, and the series concluded with the Badgers on top. 

Takeaways, notes

The finale was anyone’s game — the Badgers just had an extra edge with their three-run sixth inning. Wisconsin ended with 12 hits, and Illinois ended with nine. In clutch times, the Illini came up short on offense. When pressure mounts, it’s all up to the bats to decide their fate. 

Illinois went through three pitchers in this game: Wiles, Nuechterlein and junior right-handed pitcher/utility player Karley Yergler. The Illini are still figuring out their pitching identity as the year progresses.

The talent is evident within the team. The Illini just need to continue to mesh together and learn about themselves and their strengths before Big Ten challenges intensify. 

@tess_eken

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