Feb. 11, 2004
Urbana, Ill. -
After winning a share of the championship at the LSU Tiger Classic the Fighting Illini look to carry their confidence and enthusiasm on the road this weekend as they travel to Tallahassee, Fla., for the Sunshine State Tournament. Facing three more ranked opponents, the Illini hope to maintain their non-conference success against some of the nation's best teams.
The Illini played solid softball at LSU, particularly in the final two days of the tournament. Illinois defeated #15 LSU, 7-2, behind a complete game from Amanda Fortune and a three-run home run from Erin Jones. The Illini then tied #4 Oklahoma, 2-2 to share the tournament title.
Illinois' victories in the LSU Tiger Classic can be attributed to its total team effort. Three Illini were named to the All Tournament Team-pitcher Amanda Fortune, shortstop Lindsey Hamma, and first baseman Jenna Hall. Fortune allowed only one earned run in her final 17 innings of work. Together, Fortune and Sherri Taylor held Oklahoma to two runs on seven hits in the 2-2 title game draw.
Offensively for the Illini, Hamma hit .471 for the weekend with a triple, four RBI and four runs scored. And Hall was on fire at the plate, hitting .421 with two doubles and three RBI. Third baseman Erin Jones played a crucial role in the 7-2 victory over LSU with a 2-for-4 effort that included a three-run home run. Also lending a hand in the Illini success was designated player Lauren Gronski who went 2-for-3 with two RBI in the 2-2 tie with Oklahoma.
Illinois' tough non-conferences schedule continues this weekend. The tournament is a round robin format. The Illini launch into tournament action on Friday with a 9 a.m. (CST) game against Southern Mississippi (1-1) and continue with Western Kentucky (0-0) at 12 p.m. On Saturday, the Illini face #25 South Carolina (4-0) at 9 a.m. and #4 Oklahoma (5-0-1) at 11 a.m. Competition ends on Sunday at 11 a.m. with a game against #16 Florida State (4-0).
Illinois received 10 votes in this week's USA Softball/ESPN.com poll, essentially 30th in the nation.
"We hope to take some momentum from last weekend and carry it into this weekend," Illinois coach Terri Sullivan said. "Playing a tough schedule is both a challenge and an opportunity. We want to have fun but stay focused, work hard, and come out with confidence."
