Illinois (13-12, 1-2) is getting into the nitty gritty of Big Ten competition, and No. 8 Oregon (26-3, 2-1) is its next battle.
The Ducks have the lowest ERA (1.80) and the fifth-best batting average (0.346) in the conference. Numbers aren’t everything, but they certainly give a glimpse into the strong suits of a program.
Batting clashes
While no Illini are batting over .400 just yet, it doesn’t mean they don’t have any heavy hitters who can step up to the plate and take charge. This weekend, sophomore infielder Adisyn Caryl could very well be the one to take charge and swing for the fences.
In 25 games, Caryl has batted 0.368 and launched six home runs over the wall. On top of that, she has 17 RBI, 28 total hits and is on a seven-game hitting streak. Her strong swings come at the right times, and her skills will be much needed this weekend.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
On the other side, Oregon will counter with a young one of its own. Freshman infielder Rylee McCoy has been a consistent source of power for the Ducks this season. She ranks No. 44 in the entire NCAA in batting average (.453), but has a similar number of hits as Caryl, tallying at 29. However, McCoy has played in six fewer games than Caryl, illustrating how quickly the freshman has adjusted to the college softball landscape.
Both teams have multiple players who can get the bats going at any time. But, Caryl and McCoy pose the likeliest threat given their steady performances.
Pitching powers
The Ducks and Illini have very different pitching prowesses this season, but two athletes stand out in particular for this weekend’s series. Oregon’s redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Elise Sokolsky has gotten off to a fiery start. Sokolsky boasts a 2.10 ERA in 66.2 innings pitched.
Additionally, she holds wins over intimidating programs like No. 9 Florida State (26-5) and No. 7 Tennessee (26-4). If she can handle the pressure against exceptional teams, there’s no doubt she’ll step on the mound with poise this weekend against Illinois.
A collective 1.80 ERA for the Ducks is rather daunting. However, Illinois’ senior right-handed pitcher Lauren Wiles has proven she’s up for any challenge. Wiles currently holds a 3.25 ERA in 56 innings pitched. While the numbers appear to favor Oregon, Wiles has something she can use to her advantage: excitement.
“I am looking forward to going to Oregon, that’s hopefully gonna be super fun,” Wiles said a few weeks ago. “They’re a new addition to the Big Ten, so that’s going to be a good experience.”
Wiles is the most experienced pitcher on Illinois’ roster and can bring loads of control to the mound this weekend. She’s got a tough test ahead, but her mindset and diligence will aid her in these upcoming battles.
Coaching outlook
Illinois’ head coach Tyra Perry and Oregon’s head coach Melyssa Lombardi know their teams like the back of their hand. Both have impressive resumes in collegiate softball, but Lombardiʼs team is off to a stronger first half in 2025.
“I just think every opponent we play, they know how to pitch, they know how to hit, they know how to play defense,” Lombardi said. “She (Perry) was a great athlete as well, so I know she’ll have them ready to go for the weekend.”
Perry is often seen near the Illini dugout conversing with her athletes, guiding them through their plate appearances or pitching woes. Her next mission is to lead her team to victory over a powerhouse of a program, and it won’t be easy.
Lombardi hasn’t experienced losing all that much in her time as Oregon’s coach. Playing on the road always brings new obstacles. But if Perry can lead her team with passion and confidence, then the Illini may leave Eugene with more energy than ever.
Series details
Illinois’ first game against Oregon begins at 5 p.m. CST on Friday. The second game starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and the series finale kicks off at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
@tess_eken
