Softball squad returns to Big Ten action

The IU softball squad returns to Big Ten action this weekend as the University of Illinois make its way into Bloomington. This series comes after the Hoosiers played three non-conference games this week, including a doubleheader sweep of Miami of Ohio Wednesday.\nThe Hoosiers, though, have their work cut out for them this weekend, as the Fighting Illini team has fared well in just its second year of intercollegiate softball. With a 10-6 conference record (44-19 overall), the Ilini are battling Ohio State (10-4) for third place in the Big Ten. They've been red hot lately, taking 11 out of their last 13 games. The Illini also boast this week's Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, Kathyrn Nevard, as well as last week's Big Ten Player of the Week, Lindsey Hamma.\nBut the Hoosiers (15-33, 3-13 Big Ten) are nothing to scoff at either. Junior Alison Cooke tossed a no-hitter against Miami of Ohio this week, a feat which most certainly caught the attention of all Big Ten coaches. Cooke continues to chase the IU record books, moving into ninth all time with 116 strikeouts on the season. Behind Cooke's strong arm, the Hoosiers have been playing stingy defense, proving to be a formidable opponent for even the best in Big Ten competition.\nThe squads will face off 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Next weekend's home/home series against Purdue will be the Hoosiers' last of the regular season.