May 22, 2010

Box Score

COLUMBIA, MO. -The Illini defense came out strong during today's scorching hot game at University Field in Columbia, Mo. The Orange and Blue allowed the Tigers only three runs- one of which was the first homer of the weekend- ending the game with a 3-1 score. Monica Perry started off the game striking out four Missouri batters and allowing only three hits. Pepper Gay came in for relief in the fifth and allowed only one hit.

"We needed to be more aggressive at the plate today," head coach Terri Sullivan said. "But in a double elimination tournament you have an insurance policy; now we need to use it and play to win every inning. All great players do special things in big games."

Missouri got an early lead with a run in the first inning, but left fielder Hope Howell put the Illini on the board with a 1-1 score in the third coming home off of a single from right fielder Hollie Pinchback. Howell was hot at the plate today going 2-for-4 and reaching base on a fielder's choice.

The competition was strong but the Illini were able to get two hits off in the top of the seventh. Hope Howell and Meredith Hackett sent singles to center before the inning was up. The Illini are now 44-7 overall and 6-7 in all-time tournament play.

The Illini will play again tonight at 5 p.m. at University Field in Columbia, Mo.