SIUE softball will pivot to OVC play after loss to Illinois

EDWARDSVILLE – SIUE softball will pivot to Ohio Valley Conference play this weekend after taking a loss in its home opener to Illinois.

"We're going to be ready to play this weekend," said SIUE Head Coach Sandy Montgomery. "They'll bounce back from this. I have no doubt."

Illinois improved to 19-9 with a 10-0 victory in six innings over the Cougars.

SIUE, 9-9, next travels to Nashville, Tennessee, for four games this weekend. The Cougars open up OVC play with a Saturday doubleheader at Tennessee State followed by a Sunday doubleheader at Belmont.

Illinois opened the game with a RBI single in the first inning by catcher Stephanie Abello to take a 1-0 lead.

SIUE's confidence was high in the first inning when leadoff hitter Bailley Concatto reached on a walk and Alyssa Heren drilled a double off the base of the fence in right field. Fighting Illini pitcher Taylor Edwards, 6-5, would survive the inning without giving up a run. She fanned five overall in the win.

Emily Ingles took the loss for the Cougars and is now 5-5. Ingles struck out four in 2 1/3 innings of play.

"She's been throwing very, very well," said Montgomery. "She just did not have her best stuff today."

SIUE's Corrina Rivas also threw 3 2/3 innings of relief in her home debut.

Illinois struck for two big innings, a five-run third and a four-run sixth. The Fighting Illinois have now won four straight.

"We're going to get back to work tomorrow and figure some things out," said Montgomery.

More like this:

Alton River Dragons Add Five Players for Season’s Final Stretch

Jul 30, 2026

Laird Has Only RBI, Post 126 Held To Five Hits, Carrier Mills Wins Junior Legion Matchup 9-1 Over Alton

Jul 19, 2026

Groppel Strikes Out Eight, But Junior Legion Post 126 Loses To Wow Factor Of O'Fallon 5-0

Jun 22, 2026

Alton Junior Legion Piles Up 11 Hits In Decisive Victory

Jun 30, 2026

Clayton McCormick, Groppel Come Up With Hit, RBI Each, Thrillbillies Hold Off Post 126 Juniors Rally, Win In Play 9 Tourney

Jul 5, 2026