During the Fighting Illini's 6-4 extra innings victory over Fordham, Sickels fanned 21 batters, besting her career record. Sydney Sickels continues to etch her name in the Illinois softball record books. The game marked the only known matchup this season where both squads stuck to their original 10 players and did not make any adjustments to their lineup. NO SUBS, NO PROBLEMĭuring the Illini's 3-0 shutout of Saint Francis (Pa.), on March 13, neither team made a change to their lineup card. When leading after four innings, the Fighting Illini are an impressive 22-3. The Orange and Blue are also 24-7 when scoring first and 4-19 when surrendering first run of the game. The team is 17-4 when scoring in the first inning and 2-14 when letting the opposition score in the opening frame. Hot starts have proved to be critical for the Fighting Illini this season. The duo has recorded three triples each this year, tying for 10 th all-time in the Illini record books for a single season. TRIPLE DOUBLEĪvrey Steiner and Stevie Meade have made hitting triples look easy this season. The five long balls tied for second all-time in the Illini record books for home runs in a single game. Kelly Ryono highlighted the day with her first career grand slam. Paige Berkmeyer recorded her first dinger this season during the five-inning affair. Danielle Davis, Sydney Malott and Stevie Meade chipped in with a home run each. LOVING THE LONG BALLįive home runs helped the Fighting Illini power past SIUE during a 13-4 victory over the Cougars. Danielle Davis, Miranda Gallardo, Brianna Nykaza, Gabi Robles, Delaney Rummell, Morgan Scivally, Kailee Powell, Sydney Sickels and Avrey Steiner were all honored in a special ceremony following the game against Maryland. SUPER SENIOR SATURDAYĪlong with the Illini's annual World's Largest Softball Tailgate promotion, last Saturday served as the Fighting Illini's Senior Day. Although the fifth year has recorded just two saves this season, the Indianola, Iowa, native is second in the nation with 19 saves during her career. The program's all-time leader in strikeouts, Sickels owns 714 for her career, ranking 15th in the country. The right-hander is also ninth with 158 appearances in the circle and 12th with 684.7 innings pitched. Sydney Sickels ranks among the best in the nation, placing 10th in Division I with 106 games started. The second baseman is also 22nd with 685 career at bats. ILLINI IN THE NATIONAL RANKINGSĪvrey Steiner is currently tied for 46th among active Division I players with 224 games played over the course of her career. Duke's Marissa Young is the third Black female head coach at a Power 5. Entering the 2023 season, there were just 17 Black female head coaches with three leading Power 5 programs. Tyra Perry is currently in her eighth season leading the Fighting Illini while Sharonda McDonald-Kelley is in her first year at the helm for the Spartans. The series between Michigan State and Illinois marked the first time two Black female head softball coaches faced off during Big Ten play and was believed to be the first meeting between two Black female head softball coaches at the Power 5 level. Kailee Powell compiled a standout performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-3 with a double. Lauren Wiles went 0.2 innings in relief. Offensively, the Fighting Illini were paced by Avrey Steiner, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a walk and an RBI. During the series finale against the Terrapins, Sydney Sickels earned the start and took the loss, tossing 6.1 innings while allowing six runs on 10 hits while fanning seven Terrapin batters. Maryland swept the series at Illinois last weekend with the Illini getting outscored 20-4 in the three-game series. Tessa Magnanimo earned the start in all three games while Ellie Hubbard tallied a pair of homers during the series. The Badgers took the series, 2-1, when the teams met in Madison, Wis., earlier this season. In the circle, Maddie Schwartz owns a 1.66 ERA with 72 strikeouts during 135.0 innings pitched. 381 on the year with 22 extra-base hits including 15 doubles. The Badgers have won three-straight, sweeping Iowa to close out the regular season. Wisconsin enters the tournament at 27-19 this year with a 12-10 mark in league play. First pitch from Eichelberger Field is slated for 7 p.m. ![]() Illinois begins its run at the 2023 Big Ten Softball Tournament with clash against the fifth-seeded Wisconsin Badgers on Wednesday night. Social SB | #Illini | S B | Facebook | YouTubeįIGHTING ILLINI OPENS BIG TEN TOURNAMENT WITH BATTLE AGAINST WISCONSIN May 10 // Urbana, Ill. // Eichelberger Field Story Links Illinois (28-26, 6-16 B1G) Begins Big Ten Tournament with Battle against Wisconsin
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