Feb. 16, 2002

Box Score

Raleigh, N.C. - Under clear blue skies and temps in the 60s, the Fighting Illini softball team hung on to an early lead to defeat the Long Island Blackbirds, 4-0, in the quarterfinals of the Triangle Classic in Raleigh, N.C. Illinois improves to 6-2.

Illinois scored their runs early in the game. In the bottom of the first, third baseman Erin Jones singled through the right side. Catcher Janna Sartini lined a two-run shot down the left field line for the Illini's first two runs. Blackbird starting pitcher Chelsea Crosby struggled, walking Katie O'Connell. O'Connell advanced on a passed ball. Sarah Baumgartner reached on a fielder's choice while O'Connell made it to third. Jamie Bradley was walked to load the bases. Jackie Brown then replaced Crosby for Long Island. Brown walked the first batter she faced, Kristie Sauter, and brought O'Connell home.

Lindsey Hamma was walked to lead off the second. Jones grounded out to Briana Mathiesen at first and Hamma scored off the throwing error by the first baseman to second base.

The Illini defense was tough behind Amanda Fortune's pitching. Fortune (3-1) went the distance, allowing three hits, struck out four and walked two.

Illinois, the No. 1 seed after pool play, will face tournament host North Carolina tomorrow morning at 10 am Eastern in the semifinals. North Carolina advanced after beating Miami of Ohio, 8-0. The winner of the game will play in the Championship at 2 pm. For the latest information on the Triangle Classic, visit North Carolina's website at www.tarheelblue.com.