Big Ten Tournament cancellation affects community
By Claire O, Staff Writer
March 26, 2020
Illinois softball was set to host the Big Ten softball tournament for the first time in program history May 7-9. Head coach Tyra Perry and the Illini had been looking forward to the tournament since the winter. “We are excited to have the honor of hosting the Big Ten Tournament this year,” Perry per...
Illini softball adjust to COVID-19
By Claire O'Brien, Staff Writer
March 20, 2020
The Illinois softball team was the last Illini team to play in a contest this year, defeating Missouri 2-1 on March 11. All sports were canceled on March 12 due to the fluid COVID-19 pandemic. Head coach Tyra Perry said the Missouri game came with uncertainties. The team initially heard the game woul...
Illinois knock off Mizzou in final game of the season
By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer
March 12, 2020
Staring at a potential third-straight loss, something had to change in order to spark a comeback. An unlikely source came around for the Illini: the offense. Despite being held scoreless for over half of the game, sophomore pitcher Addy Jarvis stayed on target and eventually got help from the young Illin...
Illinois ends Red and Black Challenge with mixed results
By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer
March 10, 2020
A weekend that began with promise saw familiar problems and tired arms, ending what could have been an outstanding outing. Opening up against the host of the tournament, the Illini sent out sophomore ace Addy Jarvis to shut down the Cardinals. With the pressure of not having an elite offense backing her,...
Sickels, Jarvis monopolize on mound time
By Carson Gourdie, Staff writer
March 9, 2020
To win a championship, top of the line pitching is usually required, according to general consensus. Starters, mid-relievers and a shutdown closer are the usual ingredients used to create a dominant pitching staff that can make up for a team who is lackluster at the plate. Illinois, however, is going to h...
Illinois softball road struggles continue in Judi Garman Classic
By Carson Gourdie, Staff writer
March 2, 2020
Behind unusually subpar pitching and adequate hitting, the Illini finished 1-4 this weekend, dropping to 8-9 on the young season. Throwing a one-hitter is impressive. Unfortunately for Illinois, one stellar pitching performance still counted for only one win. In the first game of the Judi Garman Classic...
Illinois hit the road for West Coast Classic
By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer
February 27, 2020
Illinois looks to move on from mixed results at the Baylor Invitational, where the team finished 2-2, and turn its focus to the Judi Garman Classic, where the Illini will be taking on five different teams in three days. On the campus of Cal State Fullerton, located in the northern part of Orange Count...
$3 million donation kick-starts funding for new indoor softball facility
By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 25, 2020
Illinois softball will enjoy new digs by December 2021, the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Monday. Plans have moved forward for a state-of-the-art indoor practice facility for the program. Funding for the project — which will include a full infield and hitting and pitching...
Sickels shines as Illinois splits games at Baylor Invitational
By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer
February 24, 2020
Runs win games, but for head softball coach Tyra Perry, you only need to earn one if sophomore Sydney Sickels is pitching. Behind phenomenal pitching — zero earned runs allowed — Illinois jumped out to a 2-2 record in the Baylor Invitational, despite a continued struggle from the batter’s box. In t...
Illinois looks to regain mojo in Baylor Invitational
By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer
February 20, 2020
After a subpar week, Illinois will travel to Waco, Texas, for the Baylor Invitational, competing against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, the Texas State Bobcats and the Baylor Bears, who the Illini plays twice. Illinois will be looking to regain some of the momenta it gained after a 4-0 start but lost aft...
Illinois handed first losses of season at Big Ten-ACC Challenge
February 17, 2020
After the remarkable play and a 4-0 start last weekend at the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Classic, the Illinois softball team traveled down to Raleigh, North Carolina, for the Big Ten-ACC Challenge riding the momentum from its flawless start. Illinois faced Notre Dame and North Carolina State...
Sickels named Big Ten Softball Pitcher of the Week
By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor
February 13, 2020
After a notable opening week back in the circle, Illinois softball sophomore pitcher Sydney Sickels picked up the season’s first Big Ten Pitcher of the Week title. The conference announced its recognition on Monday, February 10. Sickels led Illinois to its first victories at the NFCA Leadoff Classic Presen...
