WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — Replacing the program's top hitter and top pitcher is a task the Illinois softball team will have to deal with this season.
Not that third-year coach Tyra Perry has lessened her expectations for the Illini after reaching the NCAA tournament each of the last two seasons.
"The goal is always the World Series," Perry said. "I'm always an optimist, so I alway believe we can win."
Nicole Evans, the Illini's all-time leading home run hitter and RBI producer, along with Breanna Wonderly, the Illini's workhorse ace the last two seasons, have both graduated.