Feb. 17, 2001

Box Score

Raleigh, N.C. - With 10 strikeouts and no walks allowed, Kathryn Nevard became the first Illinois women's softball player to pitch a no-hitter, as Nevard set down 21 of 22 hitters in Illinois' 1-0 win over Rhode Island, Saturday afternoon. The win moves Illinois to 7-2 overall this year and 1-2 in tournament pool play.

"It was a tight game and we were able to get a strong pitching performance from Kathryn," said Illinois head coach Terri Sullivan. "She and her battery mate, Janna Sartini, did a good job controlling the plate. We also made some strong defensive plays, focused on every pitch, and we kept are composure at key times.

After losing a 1-0 game against North Carolina in the seventh inning last night, the Illini this time proved to be the victor, as Erin Jones knocked a one-out RBI single into center field to score pinch hitter Shannon Lindgren. With one out Lindgren hit an infield single and was followed by right fielder Meghan Watson who doubled. After intentionally walking Erin Montgomery, Jones walked up to the plate and knocked a 0-1 pitch past the second baseman to score the Illini's lone run.

The one run proved to be enough though, as Nevard blew past Rams batters, striking out the side in the first two innings, with an error in the fourth inning being the lone mistake made by the Illini.

The Illini begin bracket play at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the Silver Bracket and will face an opponent yet to be determined.