LONGWOOD, Fla. – In a back-and-forth battle, the Illinois softball team fell just short, 9-7, to Louisville in the two teams' weekend finale at the Friends of Jaclyn Invitational on Sunday (February 11) morning at Soldiers Creek Park.
"This weekend was not what we expected," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We have a ton of newcomers in the lineup that are evolving with every play. We are still waiting on the returners to settle down and exhibit a more consistent level of play. Emily Oestreich and Danielle Brochu gave us a chance to win today. Both are starting to find their stride in the mound and Kate Giddens provided a big spark on offense. We will continue to work hard to iron out the kinks before heading to UNC."
Both teams came out swinging as the Cardinals (4-1) plated three runs in the top of the first on back-to-back RBI single and triple, but the Illini (1-4) came right back with a pair of run in the bottom half of the frame. After singles from seniors Sam Acosta and Rowan McGuire, junior Stephanie Abello drove in both on a two-RBI double down the left field line.
UL added a pair of runs in the second and fifth innings to build a 7-2 advantage, but the Illini continued to battle with a two-run rally in the bottom of the fifth as senior pinch hitter Kate Giddens delivered an RBI double to deep right center, before being driven in on an RBI single from sophomore Alexis Carrillo.
Heading into the sixth and needing a rally, the Illini quickly loaded the bases before a fielding error plated senior pinch runner Jill Nicklas. Sophomore Alexis Carrillo then knocked a two-run single to right field to even things up at 7-7.
The Cardinals then loaded the bases in the top of the seventh, before scoring the go-ahead run on an Illini fielding error and added an insurance run on an RBI single.
Abello kept the Illini alive in the bottom of the seventh with a two-out single to left field to bring the tying run to the plate, but that would be it for the Orange and Blue.
Junior Emily Oestreich (1-2) took the loss after giving up seven runs – only four earned – on nine hits and struck out two in 2.2 innings pitched. Oestreich started the contest and went 1.1 innings, before being relieved by classmate Danielle Brochu, who pitched 4.1 innings and allowed two earned runs on seven hits and two walks, while striking out three. Oestreich then reentered in the sixth and finished out the game.
As a team, the Illini totaled eight hits, but committed three errors, while the Cardinals registered 16 hits and two errors. Carrillo turned in a strong offensive performance with a 2-for-3 effort with three RBI, while Abello added two hits and two RBI and Acosta posting two hits and a run.
The Illini will next head to Chapel Hill, N.C., for the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, hosted by UNC at Anderson Stadium on Feb. 16-18. The Illini are set to take on the Tar Heels and Pittsburgh twice on the weekend.
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