After good start, Illinois softball ends weekend on wrong foot

The opening weekend of the 2025 Illinois softball season was highlighted by the return of redshirt sophomore standout, Alaina Miller, making her 2025 debut after suffering a season-ending injury last year.

In the opening game against CSU Bakersfield, Miller recorded two hits, two runs, and two RBIs. Senior ace Lauren Wiles had a bit of a rocky start for the Illini but settled down to go four innings while only giving up two runs. Junior Karley Yergler and freshman Danika Frazier recorded three scoreless endings to close out the game.

Unfortunately, the good vibes and positive results didn't last long. In the following four contests, the Orange and Blue scored a total of four runs while giving up 17.

Their best chance at another victory came Friday night against Georgia. Georgia's powerhouse offense led by Dallis Goodnight and Jayden Goodwin pounced on Illinois early, putting up five runs in the first inning.

The Bulldogs would put up two more runs in the fourth to build a 0-7 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, however, the Illini bats started to find their rhythm. Illinois put four runs on the scoreboard, but it was a little too late as the Bulldogs went on to win, 7-4.

One of the biggest issues facing the Illini moving forward is finding another ace behind Wiles. Head coach Tyra Perry shuffled through several options in the remaining four matchups which included freshman Jackie Yeager and sophomore transfer from Kent State, Megan Nuechterlein.

Finding more starting pitching moving forward will be key to Illinois' success as Coach Perry continues to find balance in the starting lineup.

The Illini will get another shot at their second win of the season when they head to Nashville, Tennessee, for the Roar City Invitational. The out-of-conference sides they will face include Stony Brook, Tennessee State, Mercer, and Quinnipiac. Illinois kicks off the Thursday slate of games against Tennessee State at 2:00 p.m. CT.