CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Illinois softball team plated seven runs in the third inning en route to posting a 13-5 run-rule victory in five innings over Bethune-Cookman in its Sunday (March 19) finale of the Clearwater Spring Break Classic at the Eddie C. Moore Sports Complex.
"I was proud of the way we finished the tournament with a win today," said head coach Tyra Perry. "Taylor Edwards did a great job in the circle and Kiana Sherlund was a spark at the plate. Finishing 4-1 on the weekend is a step in the right direction."
A sacrifice fly for the Wildcats in the opening inning gave the vistors an early 1-0 lead, but it did not last long as the Illini jumped out on the Wildcats quickly with four runs in the first inning as four of the first five UI batters registered hits. Sophomore Kiana Sherlund started things off with a leadoff double to left center field, before being driven in on an RBI triple from junior Annie Fleming. A double to right field from senior Nicole Evans, followed by a single up the middle from sophomore Stephanie Abello made it 3-1 in favor of the Illini, before senior Ruby Rivera brought in Abello on an RBI single to left center.
Evans added to the Illini lead with a two-run double through the left side, before a seven-run third pushed the advantage to 13-1. The inning was highlighted by an RBI single up the middle from junior Maddi Doane, an RBI double from junior Rowan McGuire and a three-run home run from redshirt-sophomore Emily Brodner – her second of the season.
The Wildcats struck again in the fourth with four runs, including three unearned on two Illini errors, but it would not be enough as sophomore Taylor Edwards (8-1) earned her eight win of the season. Edwards gave up just one run on three hits and two walks in three innings of work. Freshman Akilah Mouzon saw 0.2 innings of action, while junior Erin Walker tossed 1.1 innings in relief.Akilah Mouzon saw 0.2 innings of action, while junior Erin Walker tossed 1.1 innings in relief.
The Illini outhit the Wildcats, 13-6, with BCU committing three errors and the Illini suffering two miscues. Sherlund and Evans led the Illini, with Sherlund turning in a 2-for-4 effort with three runs and an RBI and Evans contributing two hits, two runs and three RBI.
With the Illini's original home opener postponed last week due to weather, the 2017 home opener for Illinois is now set for Tuesday (March 21) with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. CT against UIC at Eichelberger Field.
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.
