PHOTO GALLERY: Illinois Softball vs. Michigan State
Illinois vs. Michigan State in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Illinois softball coach Tyra Perry, left, and Michigan State coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley exchange a hug before Friday afternoon’s Big Ten series opener at Eichelberger Field in Urbana. Friday’s softball game marked the first time two Black female head coaches at the Power Five level have squared off against one another. The host Illini held on for a 4-3 win.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois outfielder Kelly Ryono (14) tells Illinois infielder Sydney Malott (23) about the pitcher after Ryono hit a home run and Malott was going up to bat in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois infielder Avrey Steiner (22) and Illinois infielder Megan Ward (31) greet Illinois infielder Kailee Powell (5) and Illinois outfielder Kelly Ryono (14) back at the dugout in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
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Illinois softball coach Tyra Perry, left, and Michigan State coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley exchange a hug before Friday afternoon’s Big Ten series opener at Eichelberger Field in Urbana. Friday’s softball game marked the first time two Black female head coaches at the Power Five level have squared off against one another. The host Illini held on for a 4-3 win.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois infielder Avrey Steiner (22) tags out Michigan St.'s outfielder Hailey Bila (20) at second base in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois infielder Megan Ward (31) watches the ball come off the bat as she leads off of third base in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois players slap hands with Illinois relief pitcher Sydney Sickels (21) in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois starting pitcher Lauren Wiles (30) throws to Michigan St.'s outfielder Brooke Snyder (8) in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois utility Delaney Rummell (8) and Illinois infielder Megan Ward (31) in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois head coach Tyra Perry chats with Illinois outfielder Stevie Meade (24) in a Big Ten game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Former Centennial and Urbana and current Illinois wrestlers Justin Cardani, left, and Luke Luffman in the stands in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois outfielder Kelly Ryono (14) tells Illinois infielder Sydney Malott (23) about the pitcher after Ryono hit a home run and Malott was going up to bat in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois utility Delaney Rummell (8) throws from her knees at third base in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois outfielder Kelly Ryono (14) catches the ball in the outfield in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Michigan State head coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley laughs with some of her players, including Michigan St.'s outfielder Brooke Snyder (8) in a Big Ten game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois infielder Avrey Steiner (22) and Illinois infielder Megan Ward (31) greet Illinois infielder Kailee Powell (5) and Illinois outfielder Kelly Ryono (14) back at the dugout in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois head coach Tyra Perry watches the action in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
The Prairie Dragon Paddlers stand on top of Illinois dugout and lead the fifth inning singing of Take Me Out tot the Ball Game at in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois fans in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois outfielder Gabi Robles (2) catches the ball in right field in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois dugout cheers in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois celebrates their 4-3 win over Michigan State in a Big Ten softball game at Eichelberger Field in Urbana on Friday, April 21, 2023.
- Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
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Illini softball gets much-needed win as historic meeting happens at Eichelberger Field: two Black female head coaches at the Power Five level going against one another
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