Illinois softball traveled to Raleigh, N.C. for the Big Ten/ACC Challenge this weekend. The Illini faced both Notre Dame and N.C. State twice in the tournament, with the only win coming on Sunday against the Wolfpack. The losses were the team’s first of the season, after going undefeated last weekend in the NFCA Leadoff Classic.
The weekend started with Friday’s 1-0 loss to Notre Dame. The game’s only run was scored on a single to center field in the first inning. The Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, sophomore Sydney Sickels, was in the circle for the entire game and allowed five hits with four strikeouts.