URBANA, Ill. - Illinois scored six runs in the first inning Tuesday and captured an 8-0 victory over SIUE in nonconference softball action at Eichelberger Field.

"They got off to a great start," said SIUE Interim Head Coach P.J. Finigan. "We gave up some free bases. We didn't make the plays the way we have been, and that led to a big inning, which we never recovered from."

Sydney Sickels struck out nine for the Fighting Illini, which improved to 18-13. Mia Haynes took the loss for the Cougars, now 13-20.

"It was a little bit different than what we have seen so far, and it took us a little bit to adjust. Once we did, it was too late," Finigan said of the Illini pitcher.

The Cougars picked up some walks in the third inning on good at bats from Jenna Herron and Micah Arps. SIUE added a double by Lexi King and a single by Lauren Yslava in the fourth.

Kelly Ryono and Paige Berkemeyer each had three RBIs for Illinois.

SIUE softball returns to OVC play looking to add to its five-game league winning streak with three games at Tennessee Tech. Saturday's doubleheader start at 1 p.m. A third game on Sunday also begins at 1 p.m.