TAMPA – Illinois softball closed out the USF Tournament with a triumph over Saint Francis, 3-0, at the USF Softball Stadium on Sunday.
Illinois improved to 16-7 on the season while SFU fell to 7-13 this year.
Lauren Wiles went the distance for Illinois, giving up three hits and striking out four. The sophomore moves to 3-3 on the season following the victory.
At the plate, the Fighting Illini were led by Avrey Steiner, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a triple. Gabi Robles compiled a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-1 with an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Steiner got the game started with a triple for the Illinois. Kelly Ryono plated the Fowler, Ohio, native, giving the Fighting Illini an early 1-0 edge.
Illinois extended its lead in the following frame, with Megan Ward scoring on an error by the Red Flash. A sacrifice bunt from Robles added the third run of the game, putting Illinois ahead 3-0.
The three-run lead held while Wiles dominated in the circle in the following innings. The right hander took down the SFU batters in order to close out the shutout, giving the Orange and Blue the victory.
GAME NOTES
» Wiles tossed her second complete game and shutout this year.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Red Flash at a 6-3 clip.
» Illinois wore orange jerseys and improved to 5-1 on the year while donning those
» The triumph marked the sixth team shutout this season.
» The triple from Steiner was her third on the year, tying for 10th all time for triples in a season.
