Illini Bounce Back in 5-2 Win over Tar Heels

Saturday, February 17

Chapel Hill, N.C.

1:30 p.m. CT

University of Illinois

3-5

North Carolina

5-3

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
North Carolina	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	9	0
Illinois	1	2	0	0	2	0	X	5	11	1

February 17, 2018 | Softball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Season Stats (PDF)

Juniors Alexis Carrillo and Rowan McGuire lead offense

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Behind a strong pitching performance from junior Emily Oestreich and the Illini defense, the Illinois softball team bounced back for a 5-2 win over North Carolina in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on a cold Saturday (February 17) afternoon at Anderson Stadium.

Quotable
"Today was a solid win behind the gutsy performance of Emily Oestreich. UNC is a tough team and it was great to see us bounce back after losing a close one to them yesterday. We are starting to play as a team. I am looking forward to tomorrow's game versus Pitt." – head coach Tyra Perry

What Happened
A solo home run from the Tar Heels started things off in the first, but the Illini quickly evened the score as senior Sam Acosta singled to right field, stole second and was then brought home on an RBI double from classmate Rowan McGuire.

The Illini opened the second with three-straight hits, before Acosta drew a bases-loaded RBI walk to take the lead. McGuire then notched her second RBI of the day on a groundout to shortstop for the 3-1 edge.

Carolina closed within a run with an RBI single in the fifth, but the Illini defense – highlighted by a nice grab in the outfield by redshirt-junior Carly Thomas – worked out of the bases-loaded jam.

Illinois then wasted little time in pushing to advantage back to three as freshman Bella Loya knocked a pinch hit RBI single through the left side, before junior Kiana Sherlund drew a bases-loaded walk for the 5-2 lead.

UNC threatened in the sixth, but Oestreich worked out of the jam with a grounder back to the circle. Junior Taylor Edwards entered in the seventh to close out the win as a double play on a fly out to senior Maddi Doane, who then threw out a runner at home plate, ended the game.

Oestreich (2-2) earned her second win of the season after allowing just two runs on eight hits and three walks in 6.0 innings of work. Edwards gave up just one hit in an inning of action en route to registering her second career save.

The Illini outhit Carolina, 11 to nine, but committed one error in the contest. Junior Alexis Carrillo paced UI at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance with one run, while McGuire added a two and two RBI on the day. Facing off against her former team, Sherlund notched a pair of hits and an RBI, with senior Leigh Farina posting two hits and a run in the win.

What's Next
The Illini wraps up the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Sunday (February 18) against Pitt at 9 a.m. CT.

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.