In the rain on Wednesday, the University of Illinois softball team hosted Eastern Illinois University at Eichelberger Field and exited the afternoon soggy but victorious. Despite the rain, both teams had more than 10 hits each and the final score ended up at 9-7 in favor of the Illini.
The Illini continued to struggle on the mound, a nagging weakness for the team, but their offense provided enough support to best the Panthers. Pitchers Jade Vecvanags and Taylor Edwards both struggled on the mound, in their combined 2.1 innings they gave up a total of seven runs. Kate Giddens, who got the win and raised her record to 2-0, was the only successful Illinois pitcher of the evening allowing no runs in 4.2 innings pitched.
Luckily for the Illini, they were able to put nine runs on the board and take the victory but for long term success they will need to rely on more than their bats. Timely home-runs by right fielder Nicole Evans and centerfielder Carly Thomas were key but it took hits from all nine batters in the Illinois lineup throughout the game to secure the win.
Illinois will head to Wisconsin this weekend for an important in-conference series against the University of Wisconsin who currently stand sixth in the Big Ten standings (Illinois is #10).
See the full gallery here: [gallery swingin_in_the_rain_-_illini_softball_survives_clash_with_eiu]
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About Tyler: