GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – For the first time since 2014 and just the fifth time in program history, the Illinois softball team opened its season with four-straight wins, continuing its success on Saturday (Feb. 11) at the Puerto Rican National Stadium with a 13-0 five-inning rout of North Carolina, before earning a come-from-behind 4-2 win over Georgia Tech.
"It is always really difficult to beat good teams twice," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We played focused, hard nosed softball against North Carolina and Georgia Tech again today to earn both wins. Annie Fleming's hot bat had been clutch for us all weekend. We gave Parkland transfer Erin Walker the ball for the GT game and she pitched well for us."
Illinois 13, North Carolina 0
The offense exploded in the opening frame as the Illini scored seven runs on five hits, including starting off the game with three-straight hits from seniors Alyssa Gunther and Nicole Evans and junior Annie Fleming.
Redshirt-freshman Veronica Ruelius added an RBI single in the second, followed by a Fleming home run combined with a two-run double from sophomore Kiana Sherlund in the third to push the advantage to 11-0. Fleming then collected another RBI double in the fourth, before sophomore Stephanie Abello's second homer of the season made it 13-0.
Sophomore Taylor Edwards (2-0) continued her strong play in the circle, allowing just two hits in three innings of work to earn the shutout win. Junior Erin Walker made her Illini debut with an inning of relief, striking out two while allowing just one hit. Junior Kate Giddens then threw a hitless fifth frame to close out the victory.
As a team, the Illini totaled 14 hits – including six going for multiple bases, while holding the Tar Heels to just three hits. Fleming went a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBI and two runs, while classmate Maddie Doane added a 3-for-4 performance with two runs and one RBI.
Illinois 4, Georgia Tech 2
For the first time this season, the Illini's opponent scored first as GT's Jessica Kowalewicz knocked a two-run home run to centerfield to put UI in the early 2-0 deficit.
Abello broke the shutout in the bottom of the fourth as she singled in Evans, who led off the inning with a double. Just an inning later, Fleming gave the Illini the lead for good with her second home run of the season – this time a three-run shot to right center field for the 4-2 edge.
Walker (1-0), who earned her first career start and win in the Orange and Blue against GT, allowed just two runs on three hits and two walks, while striking out two in five innings of action. Senior Breanna Wonderly earned the save with two innings of work, giving up just one hit and striking out two.
The Illini registered 10 hits in the win, while GT totaled four. Fleming once again had the hot hand with two hits, three RBI and a run, with Evans adding two hits in the contest.
The Illini wrap up the Puerto Rico DI Tournament on Sunday (Feb. 12) against No. 24/RV California at 7 a.m. CT.
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