URBANA — For the Illinois softball team, the winning formula moving forward might be a simple one: The Illini must rely on arguably the fiercest offense in the Big Ten, and play steady defense behind their pitch-to-contact staff of Emily Oestreich and Taylor Edwards.
Illinois has cashed in 36 times on some variation of that equation this season.
The start to Sunday's regular-season finale against Nebraska at Eichelberger Field took on a similar look, with Carly Thomas clocking a two-run homer in the first inning, and the Illini staying busy defensively behind Oestreich. Six of the first seven Nebraska hitters failed to make solid enough contact against the junior pitcher — two fly outs, two infield pop-ups and a pair of ground-ball retirements.