CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Illinois softball team closed out its run at the NFCA Leadoff Classic with back-to-back losses to No. 6 Texas and No. 21 Auburn at the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex on Sunday.
Following the event, Fighting Illini standout pitcher Sydney Sickels was named to the all-tournament team. The senior went 1-0 with 23 total strikeouts over the weekend. She tossed a nine-inning complete game in the Illini's 6-4 nailbiter against Fordham. During the outing against the Rams she struck out a program-record 21 batters, also breaking the Illinois (2-3) record for total career strikeouts. She currently holds 596 for her career.
GAME ONE
Illinois fell to No. 6 Texas (2-1), 7-0, to start the day, in the rescheduled event.
Junior Tori McQueen (0-1) started and took the loss in the circle for Illinois, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out a pair. Sophomore Lauren Wiles was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 2.1 shutout innings without allowing a hit, walking one and striking out one.
In the batter's box, the Fighting Illini were paced by senior Delaney Rummell, who went 3-for-3 on the day. Paige Berkmeyer went 1-for-2 with a single.
GAME TWO
In the second game of the day, the Illini dropped the afternoon tilt with No. 21 Auburn (4-1), 10-0, in abbreviated five-inning affair.
Wiles got the ball to start for Illinois (2-3) and took the loss, allowing 10 runs on 11 hits and striking out one. Sickels pitched in relief, fanning a pair of batters.
Brianna Nykaza led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, going 1-for-2 in the ballgame including a single through the right side in the fourth inning. Berkmeyer once again logged a hit in the second contest.
Illinois remains on the road as the team heads to the B1G/ACC Challenge in Atlanta Georgia from Feb. 17-19. The Fighting Illini face off against Louisville and host Georgia Tech during the three day event.
GAME NOTES
» Rummell led the Fighting Illini, going 3-for-5 on the day
» Berkmeyer was the lone Illini player to tally a hit in both contests
» Illinois moved to 0-3 against ranked opponents
» Illinois is 0-2 while wearing grey uniforms
