LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Behind another outstanding performance in the circle from sophomore Addy Jarvis and a late clutch hit from junior Bella Loya, the Illinois softball team opened the Red & Black Challenge with a 2-1 win over Louisville in eight innings on a cold Friday (March 6) afternoon at Ulmer Stadium.
"We are still trying to find our identity, but we kept fighting and kept believing we have what it takes to win a close game," said head coach Tyra Perry. "Addy Jarvis stood tall today on the mound against a very good Louisville team. Addy is a competitor and she showed a ton of leadership today."
After a leadoff single in the opening inning, the host Cardinals took advantage of an Illini passed ball to score an unearned run for the early 1-0 advantage.
The Illini then tied things up in the fourth as freshman Delaney Rummell reached on a hit-by-pitch, before freshman pinch runner Zaria Dunlap stole second and came home on two Cardinal throwing errors.
With Jarvis (5-4) cruising in the circle – the game went into extra innings as Rummell delivered a two-out single and was then brought home on an RBI double from Loya.
The Vienna, Ohio native sealed the 2-1 win with a three-up, three-down eighth frame after allowing just six hits and one walk, while striking out eight in eight innings of work.
Next Up
The Illini continue play at the Red & Black Challenge with a 9 a.m. CT game against Oakland on Saturday (March 7) at Ulmer Stadium.
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