URBANA, Ill. – Illinois softball made a statement on Wednesday afternoon when the team shutout Valparaiso, 9-0, during the Fighting Illini’s home opener at Eichelberger Field.
Lauren Wiles, Tori McQueen and Juliana Hooker combined to throw a shutout on Wednesday. Wiles started and picked up the win for Illinois, going three shutout innings while giving up one hit, walking one, and striking out four. McQueen was dealing out of the bullpen, tossing one shutout inning without allowing a hit, walking none and striking out two. Hooker fanned one Beacon batter during just her second appearance this year.
Danielle Davis led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, going 2-for-2 in the ballgame with a home run and two RBI. Stevie Meade provided a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 3-for-3 with a triple. Sydney Malott went 1-for-1 for Illinois with a double and three RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Fighting Illini bats came alive from the jump with Illinois tacking on three-straight singles to begin the game. Sacrifice flies from Delaney Rummell and Sydney Malott played a pair of runs for Illinois early 2-0 edge.
A scoreless second frame followed for both teams before Illinois got back on track in the third. Meade tallied a triple to start the Orange and Blue at bat and a bunt from the bat of Kelly Ryono extended the 3-0 advantage. Malott send a scathing double to left field, plating Ryono, before Davis sent a dinger over the fence.
Leading 6-0, Delaney sent a single up the middle, scoring two, in the following frame. A sacrifice fly from Malott…
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