Maryland pitching with a strong performance, as the Terrapins take Game 1 over Illinois

Written by: Michael Hromalik

Start of the first game (Michael Hromalik)

In the first game of Maryland softball’s final home series, the Terrapins defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini, 5-1. 

The majority of the Terrapins’ runs came in the first inning, with four runners scoring, including two on an RBI double by senior second baseman Caroline Fox. She added another RBI in the third with a walk with the bases loaded. 

But it was the pitching that stood out, as Caitlin Olensky and Elisea Wiegand combined to allow one run on four hits, with four strikeouts and no walks. Wiegand retired every batter she faced in her three innings of relief. 

Head coach Lauren Karn emphasized what her team needed to do to keep the momentum going for games 2 and 3. 

“What we need to do is stay focused on what our job is and not let it get too big in the moment,” she said.

Maryland is 10-8 at home and 3-3 in its last six games. 

The Terrapins move to 16-26 overall and 2-17 in conference play. Game 2 is on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.