Feb. 23, 2001
Box Score
Boca Raton, Fla. - In its first game against a ranked opponent in Illinois women's softball history, the Illini upset No. 16 Florida State, 1-0. The win moves Illinois' record to 10-4 overall and 1-1 in the Worth Invitational.
"To win against a Top 20 team so early in our program's history makes this a huge victory," said Illinois head coach Terri Sullivan. "I thought our team came out very aggressive and confident and we received a tremendous pitching performance by Amanda Fortune. We also got great defense and scored the one run we needed to win the game."
Fortune pitched 6 and 1/3 innings of four-hit ball and Kathryn Nevard notched her first save of the season, as the Illini limited the Seminoles to six runners for the game. Fortune's record is now 3-1 on the season.
The Illini scored the lone run of the game in the top of the third inning. With two outs and Alica Hammel at bat, shortstop Lindsey Hamma stole second base and advanced to third on a bad throw by the catcher. While advancing to third base, the Seminoles committed their second consecutive error as FSU center fielder Rita Brooks throw went into the Illinois dugout, scoring Hamma.
The Seminoles gave the Illini a scare in the bottom of the seventh inning as FSU pitcher Jennifer White-Stokes knocked a one-out double over center fielder Erin Montgomery. However, Nevard came in for relief of Fortune and struck out the two batters she faced to preserve the Illinois win.
Five different Illinois players knocked out hits, with Alicia Hammel batting 1-for-2 with one walk.
Earlier in the day Illinois was defeated by Maryland, 1-0, in the opening contest.
The loss spoiled a gritty pitching performance by Illini hurler Kathryn Nevard, who allowed only one hit and no walks while striking out two batters. The lone hit for the Terapins came in the third inning when Jillian Callaway singled to lead off the inning. The loss moves Nevard's record to 6-3 on the season.
The Terrapins scored their lone run in the bottom of the second inning. After an error by center fielder Erin Montgomery, catcher Beth Radford was sacrificed all the way to third base. With two outs and a 0-2 count to Casey Leiter, Nevard threw a wild pitch that scored Radford and gave Maryland all they would need.
"Today's games are a perfect example of how the mental aspect of the game is real important," said head coach Terri Sullivan. "This morning we were just a little flat but got a good performance out of Kathryn and we still put ourselves in position to win the game.
The Illini will play two games on Saturday afternoon of the second day of the Worth Invitational. Illinois first will play Florida A&M at 3 p.m. and will then play host Florida Atlantic at approximately 5 p.m. Single elimination bracket play will be on Sunday.
