March 11, 2006

Box Score

Clearwater, Florida--The Fighting Illini (7-9) went deep three times against the Chippewas of Central Michigan (5-12), finishing pool play action with a 6-3 win. Three time All-Big Ten player, Jenna Hall blasted her fifth and sixth homeruns on the year and freshman catcher Lana Armstrong hit a solo homerun in the fourth to give the Illini a 3-2 record in pool play at the USF-Adidas Invitational in Clearwater, Florida.

Central Michigan out hit the Illini 11-10, yet could not find a way to score against the Illini's strong defense. The Chippewas first lead came in the top of the fourth but was soon relinquished when Armstrong stroked her first homerun over the right center fence, tying the score 3-3.

The Illini wasted no time in building the lead when in the fifth Jenna Hall pulled a two run homerun over the right field fence, scoring Shanna Diller. The Illini added another run in the sixth and shut down Central Michigan to capture a 6-3 victory.

Four Illini had multiple hits on the game including Diller, Kacey Coonce and Armstrong each contributing two hits while Jenna Hall went 3-3 on the day.

Claire DeVreese relieved Coonce in the fourth inning when the game was tied to pick up the win for the Illini. DeVreese allowed one hit in three innings of ball and improved her record to 5-3.

Illinois begins bracket play at 5 CST against Big Ten rival Purdue.