Despite another strong performance in the circle from senior Breanna Wonderly, the Fighting Illini softball team fell to NCA Regional host and 14th-seed Kentucky, 1-0, on Saturday (May 20) afternoon at John Cropp Stadium.
The Illini (38-19) will now face Marshall or DePaul in an elimination game today at 4 p.m. CT.
"It was a tough game to watch from the standpoint of I felt like Breanna Wonderly competed and gave us a chance to win," said head coach Tyra Perry. "However, our bats did not show up. We kept kind of getting ourselves out. We stayed stuck in the same old pattern and expecting a different result. It is do-or-die time. Our backs are against the wall and I want to see my team come out fighting."
Wonderly (21-15) allowed just one earned run on three hits and three walks, while striking out one in the complete game performance.
The Wildcats (38-17) scored the lone run of the game in the bottom of the fourth as a leadoff walk and back-to-back hit-by-pitches loaded the bases. UK's Breanna Ray then drove in Bailey Vick on an RBI sacrifice fly to right field.
Both teams notched three hits in the contest, with sophomore Kiana Sherlund going 2-3 to lead the Illini.
UK pitcher Megan Prince (21-7) went all seven innings for the Wildcats and registered three strikeouts in the win.
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