CHAMPAIGN — Illinois softball’s first NCAA tournament game since 2010 will start Friday at 2:30 p.m. in Lexington, Ky. The call was made Monday, though not without a quick change in plans.
The initial start time for the Illini’s tourney opener against Utah was 4 p.m., but forecasted rain later in the day necessitated the move to 2:30 p.m. The day’s second game, pitting region host Kentucky and Butler, will kick off at 5 p.m.
Illinois (35-21) is guaranteed at least two games in the tournament, regardless of how it fares against the Utes (32-19) on Friday.