The regular season is winding down, and Illinois’ (21-26, 5-13) final Big Ten series is right around the corner. The opponent waiting for the team is No. 21 Ohio State (41-10-1, 14-5), the No. 5 team in the conference.
On paper, this is a very difficult matchup for the Illini, who sit two and a half games outside the Big Ten tournament. As they attempt to close out this stormy season with a glimmer of sunlight, this is what to watch out for.
The ball is flying, a lot
Ohio State leads the Big Ten in home runs (130). The Buckeyes have two of the top five conference home run leaders: sophomore catcher Jasmyn Burns (22) and sophomore outfielder Hadley Parisien (19). Burns is also among the conference leaders in RBI, bringing home 69 runners.
The Buckeyes, via the long ball, may jump all over the Illini in a hurry. Illinois may not be able to combat that attack with the bats, as it has deposited just 42 softballs over the fence. Illini pitchers will need to pitch around Burns and Parisien and do just enough offensively to push themselves to wins.
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Energy and motivation
Throughout the 2025 campaign, something that’s been prevalent has been the energy in the third base dugout. During the games, the Illini have picked each other up and cheered each other on through the highs and lows. The energy builds cohesion, and that cohesion can bring a team together through the valleys.
Before the final week of the season, head coach Tyra Perry asked the team what they are fighting for. Senior catcher Paige Berkmeyer said that in that conversation, players said they are fighting for each other, wanting to go out on a high note.
“I think going into this week, I know I’m motivated just to play some competitive softball,” Berkmeyer said. “Play up to the standard that Illinois softball can play to and that we’ve seen in the past.”
The fight shown from the Illini during April brought many positives, even if they were not getting results. The players have bonded together during the course of the spring, and one final push could bring them to some wins against a tough Buckeyes squad.
One last ride
Berkmeyer is one of four seniors playing in her last series. She has been a force in the catcher position, driving home 23 runs for her team and catching eight opposing runners stealing. Berkmeyer held things down at the plate during her tenure at Illinois.
“I’m excited to spend the last regular season with some of the best people that I’ve been around,” Berkmeyer said. “Especially my three seniors that are right by my side through the ups and downs of this program.”
Another high-impact senior is left fielder Stevie Meade. Perry said has brought a high level of intensity and led the young Illini by example. She went on a heater throughout April, consistently putting barrel on ball.
“I think she’s a one of a kind type of player,” Perry said. “We’ll definitely miss her leadership and her talent that she brings to the table, the way she does things, we’ll miss that next year.”
When it comes to battling adversity, two more seniors come to mind. Right-hander Lauren Wiles and utility player Zoie Howard. Perry praised both for staying tough.
“(Wiles) had some good moments, some really stellar moments in her career,” Perry said. “She’s kind of battled injury and some different things and stayed steady. Same with Zoie Howard. Zoie’s a tremendous talent. A lot of kids wouldn’t give it up, and those guys never gave up.”
When are the games?
The season-ending series between Illinois and No. 21 Ohio State begins with a doubleheader Friday at 2 p.m. The series finale starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
