Beer. Warm weather. Friday night. What more could you ask for as Illinois softball and baseball host important weekend series? Staff writer Scott Richey takes a look at both teams:
SOFTBALL
BUBBLE WATCH
Tyra Perry is 2 for 2 on NCAA tournament appearances in her first two seasons at Illinois, but the Illini are on the proverbial bubble with a 34-16 record matched with just the No. 59 RPI in the country. A doubleheader sweep against Missouri (No. 23 RPI) is the highlight of the season, but 22 of Illinois' 34 wins came against teams outside the top 100.