CHAMPAIGN — Tyra Perry had a feeling after Friday's 1-0 loss to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals that her Illinois softball team wasn't done playing this season.
She was right.
The Illini found out Sunday night it earned an at-large berth into the 64-team NCAA tournament field. Illinois (32-23) will open with Virginia Tech (45-9) in the Lexington (Ky.) Regional.
The four-team, double-elimination regional that includes Kentucky (33-22) and Toledo (29-26) is set to take place this Friday through Sunday, with the Illini and Hokies squaring off at 11 a.m. Friday
This is the Illini's third NCAA tournament trip in Perry's four seasons and all have resulted in a trip to Lexington for regional play.