Feb. 20, 2015Box Score (PDF)
Houston, Texas - Despite a slow start on a rainy afternoon, the Fighting Illini exploded for a 12-4 win over the New Mexico Lobos in the first of two games on Friday from the Cougar Softball Stadium. Trailing by as many as three runs, the Illini proved resilient and outscored the Lobos 12-1 in the final three innings. The game concluded when Illinois took the eight-run lead with two outs and a runner left on base.
"This was an ultimate team win this afternoon," shared head coach Terri Sullivan. "We trailed early but Bre came in and managed the game well and gave us some quick innings, which sparked our offense. Allie sent her home run out of the park and everyone followed her lead. We were able to move runners well and had important sac flies from Perk and Evans. Our infield defense was solid and we had a great showing overall. Our staff was particularly excited about the job the reserves did as Bre, Rem, Jade and Jill were all ready and big factors in the win."
In the win, 14 Illini saw action with eight touching the plate for a run. Allie Bauch (2) and Jade Vecvanags (1) both hit home runs in the contest. Bauch has now registered 10 homeruns since the start of 2014, eight of which have led off an inning. In all-but-one of the nine games that Bauch has homered, a second Illini has also hit a home run and with just one excpection, Bauch always went long first. Vecvanags' long ball made her the second Illini with a pinch-hit home run this season.
Additionally, Jess Perkins became the first Illini to ever record two sacrifice flies in a single game. The three sac flies by the team also ties the all-time record set April 27, 2013, at Michigan State.
Breanna Wonderly took over on the mound for Shelese Arnold in the top of the third inning with no outs. Wonderly then assisted on all three outs to limit the Lobos' damage to just two runs in the frame. The sophomore only allowed one hit in her four innings of work. Wonderly claimed the win in the contest, which moves her to 2-2 overall.
Ruby Rivera now rides a seven-game hitting streak after her single in the fourth inning. Brittany Sanchez and Alyssa Gunther have both hit in five-straight games.
The afternoon win moved Illinois to 4-7 on the season with four games remaining in Houston.
Next up: Illinois will play again this evening, in a contest against Houston, which is slated for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch.
