Feb. 11, 2001
Box Score
HUNTSVILLE, TX - In her second start of the day, Illinois pitcher Kathryn Nevard struck out 10 and limited Sam Houston State to four hits in a 4-0 victory. Nevard pitched two shutouts in the first day of the McKenzie's Valentine Classic
In two games, Nevard allowed no runs, seven hits and struck out 18 batters. Earlier in the day Nevard pitched her first shutout against the University of Buffalo, as Illinois won their first game of the tournament, 6-0. Illinois also defeated Texas Southern in the afternoon, 9-0 in five innings.
"Kathryn brings great leadership to our team when she is on the mound," said Illinois head coach Terri Sullivan. "She had a lot of determination and she executed very well. In the first game she fought and was able to turn it on and in the second game she threw a lot of strikes and was impressive against a free-swinging team like Sam Houston State.
Center fielder Erin Montgomery and third baseman Erin Jones each drove in a run in the top of the seventh, as Illinois broke open the game with the host Bearkats. With a 2-0 lead, Illinois was able to get their first two batters on base as Karyn Bird doubled to right field and Meghan Watson blooped a single to left. With runners on second and third, Montgomery grounded out to second base, scoring Bird. The Illini extended their lead to 4-0 on Jones, single up the middle.
Illinois opened the scoring in the top of the first inning. Montgomery led off the game with a triple to center field. Erin Jones hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Montgomery and give the Illini a 1-0 lead.
The Illini were able to give themselves a little room in the top of the sixth inning. After opening the inning with a single, Lindsey Hamma scored on a two-out error by the Bearkat first baseman on an Alicia Hammel line drive.
"I think our team showed a lot of poise and played very well together today," said Coach Sullivan. "I think throughout the day we had a lot of players step up and we got good pitching and timely hitting."
Illinois finishes tournament play tomorrow and will open the day with an 11 a.m. game vs. Buffalo. Illinois will then play Texas Southern at 3 p.m. and Sam Houston State at 7 p.m.
