Pitching, home runs carry softball to win over IUPUI

May 3, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Women's Sports

The sun finally came out over Eichelberger Field, and with it came another Illinois Softball win. “It’s finally softball weather,” senior Leigh Farina said. “It actually makes you want to come out and play and not stand in the field miserable because you’re so cold.” The Illini got...

Illinois takes doubleheader against Penn State

By Miles Powers-Huang, Assistant sports editor

April 30, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Top Stories, Women's Sports

While it was an unusual 48 hours for the Illinois softball team, the Illini weathered the storm to sweep a Saturday doubleheader at Penn State. The Illini played an inning-and-a-half Friday night, giving up three early runs to the Nittany-Lions. However, thunderstorms in the area would postpone the...

Even the Illini have rigid game day superstitions

April 26, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Women's Sports

Athletes are known for having superstitions, and the Illinois softball team is no exception.  For outfielders Mattie Doane and Kiana Sherlund, stepping up the plate with special gear could be the difference between a good and bad game. Doane needs to have the right attire on — or off — when b...

Walkoff helps grab series win against Iowa

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor

April 23, 2018

Filed under Showcase, Softball, Sports, Top Stories, Women's Sports

After easing its way to a 7-1 win Friday night against Iowa, Illinois found itself clawing back in a nail-biting battle on Saturday. The Illini are now 2-0 in its Big Ten series with the Hawkeyes and 8-6 in conference play, 29-15 overall. According to head coach Tyra Perry, both games displayed Illi...

Illinois kicks off home stand looking for consistency

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer

April 19, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Women's Sports

Not much has been consistent for the Illinois softball team so far this year — not even the weather. Illinois head coach Tyra Perry hopes they can count on things feeling more spring-like in the coming weeks. “I hate it,” Perry said. “I know I’m not supposed to say that, but it’s tough....

Illinois’ positive vibes infectious

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer

April 19, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Women's Sports

At the start of the bottom of the fifth inning on March 28, the Illinois softball team was down 8-0. It was cold and only the first game of a doubleheader. But, every time a player was at the plate, the Illinois dugout was up and loud. Each batter had their own cheer, and every time a pitcher fell beh...

Spring volleyball update

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor

April 16, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Volleyball, Women's Sports

Spring volleyball isn’t anything new for the Illini, but some of the teams they play are. Illinois has faced Kentucky several times in previous fall seasons; however, local teams like Bradley and Illinois State represent uncharted territory for Illinois. So far during the spring season, Illinois has twice o...

Once enemies, Illinois teammates now together

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer

April 12, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Women's Sports

On March 13, 2016, Syracuse and North Carolina played each other in softball. Syracuse sophomore Maddi Doane went 1-for-3, and North Carolina freshman Kiana Sherlund pinch ran for a run in a 2-1 win for the Tar Heels. On April 8, 2018, Doane and Sherlund combined for 11 RBIs, but this time, their effort...

Illini sweep weekend series

By Brian Binz

April 9, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Women's Sports

First, it was getting back on the field, but now, for Illinois pitcher Taylor Edwards, it’s about staying off as much as she can. After coming back from an eye injury, Edwards now has a different focus. “Our fans come to watch our hitters; they don’t come to watch defense,” Edwards said. “Get in, ...

Edwards’ return boosting Illini

April 5, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Women's Sports

It started with a line drive foul ball off the bat of Carly Thomas. Next thing she knew, Taylor Edwards was on her back. “I didn’t see anything, but I just heard the whole crowd go ‘Oooh,’” said catcher Stephanie Abello. Edwards was struck by the line drive in the bullpen warming up for ...

Minnesota quiets Illini bats in double-header sweep

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor

April 2, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Women's Sports

Illinois softball had a tough start to its weekend in Minnesota, as the Golden Gophers swept the Illini in a doubleheader Friday afternoon. A pair of 6-0 losses dropped the Illini to 3-4-0 in-conference on the season. The Illini couldn’t catch up to the heat of Gopher pitcher Amber Fisher, who shut them out...

Illinois softball looks to extend hot stretch into Big Ten play

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer

March 29, 2018

Filed under Softball, Sports, Women's Sports

After a rocky 3-6 start, the Illinois softball team has hit its stride just in time for the Big Ten season. The Illini’s rally began after winning the Coach B Classic at Southern Illinois University, and the team has now won 13 of their last 17 games, including a series win over Purdue. ...