URBANA – The Michigan State softball tradition includes a national championship in 1976 and, entering this year, five straight 30-win seasons.

The Illinois tradition is in its infancy, though the state's reputation in the softball world is well established.

"We coaches have screamed for years that they deserved a team," Spartans coach Jacquie Joseph said. "The state of Illinois has annually sent its talent to other states.

"What we saw today shows the talent and depth in the state. Our program has a long and successful history, and in two years Illinois has been able to get even. It's a shame it took until 2000 for them to get their act together."

The Illini made their debut in Big Ten Conference play Friday at Eichelberger Field with an eye-opening sweep of the Spartans 4-1 and 10-2 in front 352 spectators.

Illinois (30-12) had 24 hits in the doubleheader, including 15 in Game 2.

"We're not a team to be underestimated now, and it's unbelievable what we'll do in the future," said leadoff hitter Erin Montgomery, who was 5 for 7.

"They made some errors, and you'd think a young team (with nine freshmen starters) would get a little rattled, but they never panicked," Joseph said. "They showed good maturity, and their pitchers got ahead in the count and never hurt themselves."

UI starters Amanda Fortune (13-5) and Kathryn Nevard (15-7) each pitched complete games and walked no one. Fortune has won eight straight decisions.

The Illini scored three runs to start the opener and came back with two in the first inning of the nightcap against the Spartans (10-24).

"Our game plan is to be aggressive from the time the umpire says, 'Play ball,' " said UI coach Terri Sullivan. "The pitchers feel good when you score early, and the odds shift a little in your favor."

Every Illinois starter had at least one hit in the second game as Michigan State sent three hurlers to the mound. For the twin bill, the UI's Lindsey Hamma (5 for 7) and Erin Jones (3 for 7) also hit well. Alicia Hammel had an extra-base hit in each game, and Sarah Baumgartner slugged a three-run homer over the 210-foot center field fence in Game 2.

"When you take aggressive swings, you can't go wrong," Baumgartner said.

Sullivan was most impressed by how her club responded after winning the opener.

"Many times when a team wins a first game, you see them settle and not come out as aggressive," she said, "but we came out more aggressive."

Montgomery drew leadoff walks to start each game – the second one on four pitches – and scored the first UI run in each game.

"I'd never hit leadoff until I got here," she said. "I'd always been a three or four hitter, but I've learned to like it."

In the opener, Janna Sartini's opposite-field double drove in Montgomery and Hamma. In the nightcap, Jones' hit drove in Montgomery.

"Erin (Montgomery) had a great day. She jump-started our offense, and Michigan State is well aware of who she is now," Sullivan said.

The Illini are halfway through their eight-game homestand and return to Eichelberger Field today for a 2 p.m. game against 27th-ranked Michigan.

"This conference is so tough you don't often see anybody sweep anybody," Sullivan said. "To win two on the opening weekend is a terrific feat.

"Hopefully, we can carry this momentum into tomorrow."

The series with the Wolverines concludes with a 1 p.m. game Sunday.