CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Illinois softball team started off the Big Ten Conference with a win in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge as the Illini dominated Boston College, 9-1, on Friday (Feb. 19) at the Anderson Softball Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
With the win, the Illini improve to 3-3, while the Eagles fall to 3-4 on the season.
"I am proud of the composure we showed today," said head coach Tyra Perry. "The first game of a tournament is always important and we set an aggressive tone on both offense and defense. Boston College and UNC are tough teams and our goal is to show the same focus we showed today throughout the entire weekend."
It was a scoreless tie until the third inning when a failed pickoff attempt on a BC runner resulted in an Illini throwing error into the Eagle dugout that scored the runner on second on the play and gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
The Illini responded in the next inning as a hit by pitch, followed by back-to-back bunt singles from sophomore Annie Fleming and senior Nicole Tobon gave UI the bases loaded with no outs. Freshman Stephanie Abello then tied the score with a bases-loaded walk, followed by a two-run single through the single through the right side. A single to second base from sophomore Carly Thomas then gave the Illini a 4-1 lead that they would not relinquish.
A three-run fifth inning pushed the Illini edge to 7-1 with Evans singling up the middle to plate senior Allie Bauch and then scoring on a fielder's choice from senior Nicole Tobon. Fleming was then scored later in the frame on a wild pitch after reaching base on a double down the left field line.
Two more runs in the seventh on a BC field error sealed the 9-1 win for the Illini.
With 11 hits in the game, the Illini registered their fifth game this season with at least eight hits and outhit the Eagles, who were held to just four hits in the loss. Evans registered a 2-for-3 effort with two runs and an RBI, with Tobon adding a hit and two RBI in the win. Junior Alyssa Gunther and Fleming also contributed two hits each.
Junior Jade Vecvanags (2-2) allowed just one run on three hits in six innings of work and recorded three strikeouts for her second win of the season.
Allyson Frei (2-3) gave up four runs, three earned, on six hits in three and two-thirds innings to take the loss.
Illinois continues the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Saturday (Feb. 20) and will take on Boston College at 12 p.m. CT, before facing host North Carolina at 5 p.m. at Anderson Stadium.
For more Fighting Illini softball news, stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com and follow the team on Twitter @IlliniSB or like Fighting Illini Softball on Facebook.
