LONGWOOD, Fla. – The Illinois softball team opened the 2018 season with a split on the first day of the Friends of Jaclyn Invitational, hosted by UCF at the Soldier Creek Park. The Illini started off the day with a 9-1 five-inning win over Providence, before falling to North Florida, 5-3, on Friday (February 9) afternoon.
"It felt great starting the 2018 season off with a decisive win," said head coach Tyra Perry. "I thought Emily Oestreich did a tremendous job in her Illini debut. The defense was solid behind her and our offense really came alive in the later innings. We came out tight in the second game of the day against a strong UNF team. We had our chances on offense. We were a clutch hit away with the middle of the lineup at the plate on several occasions but did not quite come through. We also neglected to make the routine play in a few key situations that resulted in runs for UNF. I was pleased with freshmen Maddison Demers and Bella Loya. I thought they both showed a lot of poise today in key situations. Finishing 1-1 on opening day is a decent start but still gives us something to shoot for on Saturday."
Illinois 9, Providence 1 // 5 innings
After Providence (0-1) struck first with a run in the third on a one-out RBI single, the Illini (1-1) stormed back with nine unanswered runs.
The Illini broke things open with a six-run fourth frame with redshirt-sophomore Veronica Ruelius doubling in the tying run, before senior Rowan McGuire delivered a two-run double to center field, followed by a two-run single up the middle from junior Kiana Sherlund. Redshirt-junior Carly Thomas then capped off the inning with an RBI double for the 6-1 lead.
UI then loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth, before freshman Maddison Demers knocked a three-run double to right center field for the walk-off win.
Junior Emily Oestreich (1-0) earned the win in her first start and appearance for the Illini, allowing just one run on five hits and four walks, while striking out three in five innings of work.
The Illini totaled eight hits – including four doubles - in their season opener, with Sherlund leading the way with two hits, two RBI and a stolen base.
North Florida 5, Illinois 3
Back-to-back singles and a walk loaded the bases for the Illini in the third as McGuire scored the game's first run on an RBI fielder's choice. A UNF fielding error then brought in the second as Thomas scored from third for the 2-0 edge.
The Ospreys (1-0) responded with five unanswered runs, including three unearned runs in the third, an RBI double in the fourth and an unearned score on an RBI single in the fifth.
The Illini threatened in the top of the sixth and loaded the bases as a RBI infield single from Abello cut the deficit to two, but that would be it for the Illini.
Junior Taylor Edwards (0-1) took the loss after giving up three unearned runs on three hits and three walks in two innings. Sophomore Akilah Mouzon saw three innings of relief action, allowing two runs – only one earned – on five hits, while Oestreich finshed off the game by allowing just one hit in an inning of work.
As a team, the Illini registered nine hits, but suffered four errors and left 11 runners on base. Sherlund, Thomas and senior Sam Acosta each contributed two hits and a run in the setback.
The Illini are back in action on Saturday, taking on South Alabama at 3 p.m. CT and UCF at 5:30 p.m., before wrapping up against Louisville on Sunday at 8 a.m.
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.
