Feb. 23, 2002
Box Score
Santa Barbara, Calif. -
After playing the opening game of today's action, Illinois concluded their games in the Softball by the Beach Invitational in the nightcap against the Broncos of Santa Clara. Illinois downed the Broncos, 4-0, to improve to 9-5 on the year.
"I thought we came out with great intensity today," said assistant coach Donna DiBiase. "Sherri Taylor was in her zone and Janna Sartini called a great game. We hit the ball to all fields. It was great to see Erin Montgomery (who had been out with an injury) hit the ball well. Our defense was solid today."
After the Broncos went three up and three down in the first, Illinois got to business. Designated player Erin Montgomery launched a two out triple to right center. Catcher Janna Sartini followed with a double to left center, scoring Montgomery. Second baseman Katie O'Connell made it on base after the Broncos shortstop Tracie Hall dropped a fly ball. Sartini scored the unearned run while O'Connell advanced to second on Hall's throw to home after the bobble.
Santa Clara had an opportunity to score but sophomore pitcher Sherri Taylor and the Illini defense held strong. Cleanup designated player Rachel Sherman reached on a Lindsey Hamma fielding error. Sherman advanced to second on a Lacey Smale single. SC catcher Roni Rivera hit back to the pitcher and Taylor tossed it to Hamma to get out the lead runner. Pitcher Deanna Rodriguez also hit back to Taylor for the second out. Second baseman Lauren Fissori lined out to Hamma at short to end the inning.
Sophomore centerfielder Sarah Baumgartner walked to begin the second inning. Baumgartner stole second. Freshman LeeAnn Butcher sacrifice bunted to the third baseman with two outs to advance Baumgartner. Baumgartner scored the Illini's third run as Hamma hit a single through the right side.
Illinois put another run on the board in the fourth inning. Baumgartner got on base again with a single to right. First baseman Alicia Hammel moved Baumgartner with her own right field single. Hamma dropped a RBI single to center to move the runners. Hammel and Hamma moved a base on the throw home.
Sherri Taylor (4-2) got the four hit shutout win for the Illini as she struck out five and walked one. Hamma went 2 for 3 with two RBIs. Montgomery also hit 2 for 3 and scored a run.
Illinois will face No. 5 Cal at 9 a.m. Pacific Sunday morning to conclude the Softball by the Beach Invite before returning to Illinois.
