TAMPA – Illinois softball logged its third-straight shutout, topping tournament host South Florida, 4-0, at USF Softball Stadium on Friday afternoon.
With the win, the Fighting Illini improved to 14-6 on the year. USF dropped to 12-12 on the season with the loss.
Tori McQueen started in the circle and picked up the win for Illinois, going 4.1 shutout innings while giving up three hits and striking out one. Addy Jarvis was dealing out of the bullpen, tossing 2.2 shutout innings, allowing one hit and striking out one.
Kailee Powell went 1-for-3 in the ballgame with a triple and a walk. Kelly Ryono compiled a standout performance as well, going 3-for-4 while Avrey Steiner also chipped in for Illinois with an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first, Illinois jumped out to a two-run lead following a pair of errors by the Bulls. Steiner added an RBI single in the frame, scoring Megan Ward on the play to extend the 3-0 advantage.
A scoreless battle followed with neither team plating a run until the sixth frame. Powell began the inning with a triple to right field before Berkmeyer scored the runner from third.
With USF down to its final three outs, Jarvis took down the Bulls batters in order, fanning the final player she faced to end the 4-0 victory.
Illinois continues its run at the USF Tournament with a game against Marist on Saturday. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. CT.
GAME NOTES
» Illinois wore navy uniforms, moving to 5-2 while wearing those.
» The Illinois pitchers did not allow a walk during the triumph over USF.
» The Fighting Illini improved to 2-1 against teams from the American Athletic Conference
» McQueen and Jarvis combined to throw a four-hit shutout.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Bulls at a 9-4 clip.
» Illinois went 2-for-6 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
