March 1, 2002

Box Score

Chattanooga, Tenn. - After attempting to travel on two other buses, lucky bus number three chartered the Fighting Illini safely to Chattanooga, Tenn., for this weekend's Frost Tournament. Illinois got a late start to the day after their first game with Marshall was cancelled. Facing Lipscomb, the Illini downed the Lady Bisons, 5-1. Illinois' record is now 10-6.

"The first game of a tournament sets the tone," said head coach Terri Sullivan. "We executed well on offense in the first inning which increased our enthusiasm and energy. We had solid pitching today and were very sharp defensively -- turning some double plays and diving catches."

Illinois got to work in the bottom of the first after freshman pitcher Abby Lovejoy and the Illini defense retired the first three batters. Shortstop Lindsey Hamma got on board by an error by first baseman Jennifer Cannon. Third baseman Erin Jones advanced Hamma on her single through the left side. Hamma then scored when designated player Erin Montgomery doubled to center field. Jones scored on a Katie O'Connell sacrifice fly to center, advancing Montgomery to third. First baseman Alicia Hammel singled to left, allowing Montgomery to score Illinois' fourth run of the inning.

Lipscomb grounded out their next three batters in the top of two. Illinois added another run to the board in the bottom half of the inning. Jones reached on a two out error by the second baseman. After stealing second, Jones scored off a Montgomery single.

The Lady Bisons put their first tally on the board in the top of the fourth. After the first batter grounded out to the pitcher, Lovejoy walked Lipscomb pitcher Hillary Gipson. Gipson advanced to second and later scored the final run of the game on back-to-back Lady Bison singles.

Sherri Taylor came in to relieve Lovejoy in the fifth inning. Lovejoy (2-0) notched the win for the Illini, allowing three hits. Taylor struck out two and gave up two hits.

Illinois returns to action tomorrow as they face host Chattanooga at 12:15 p.m. Eastern and Tennessee Tech at 4:45 p.m.