Illinois (0-5) faced off in the Tiger Classic hosted by No. 13 LSU (6-0) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to begin the year. Unfortunately for the team, things didn’t go as they had hoped, as the Illini ran into some stiff competition and struggled to remain competitive throughout the weekend.
Weekend breakdown
Illinois began its season with an extra-inning thriller against Lamar (2-3) that lasted 11 innings. While Illinois racked up more hits, notching 11 to Lamar’s eight, the Cardinals proved to be more clutch in key moments. Lamar won 4-3 after tying the game in the bottom of the ninth. Notable performances came from senior right-handed pitcher Karley Yergler, who commanded the circle for 10.1 innings for the Illini, and junior infielder Adisyn Caryl, who had three hits, including a home run.
Game two was one to forget for Illinois, as it fell 9-0 to Nevada (3-2) in five innings. Nevada struck early with four runs in the first and never looked back, scoring in every inning except the fourth. As a result, the game was ultimately called due to a run-rule in the fifth. Illinois only registered three hits, none of which went for extra bases.
Illinois faced NC State (2-3) to begin day two of the tournament. The Illini pounced early, scoring two runs in the top of the first and showing promise for a fresh start on day two. The game remained relatively close until the sixth inning. Illinois tied it at four in the top half of the frame, but NC State roared back for five runs in the bottom half, which propelled it to an eventual 9-4 victory. Junior outfielder Skylar Brennan led the Illini in hits with two and drove in a run.
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Game two of day two brought a rematch against Lamar. Illinois drew first blood again, scoring first for the third time in four games. However, like the others, it failed to secure them a victory. Illinois lost in a competitive 5-2 game and was out-hit eight to six. Junior outfielder Delaney Mosley accounted for half of Illinois’ total hits, racking up three with a solo shot in the bottom of the second.
Day three brought the biggest challenge of the weekend for Illinois, being tasked with facing LSU. While Illinois out-hit LSU 7-5, it dropped its final game of the weekend 9-1 in five innings. The Illini issued a total of seven walks compared to the Tigers’ zero. LSU was also much better in key moments of the game, having no issues driving in runs when the opportunities presented themselves.
Notable performances
While this wasn’t the weekend Illinois had hoped for, there are still positives to take away from it. Brennan found her groove, leading the team in hits with six and tallying two multi-hit games.
Caryl and Mosley emerged as well. The juniors finished with five hits and a home run each, flexing their muscles early in the young season.
Up next
Illinois will try to get back on track at the War Eagle Classic, which runs from Feb. 12-14. The Illini begin the tournament Thursday, facing the Auburn Tigers (4-2), the hosts for the weekend.
