Feb. 19, 2010
Final Stats
TEMPE, Ariz. -
Abby Olson and Michelle Henderson each hit a three-run shot over the left field fence in the top of the third to give the Illinois State (3-2) softball team its first win at the Littlewood Classic against Texas State (1-6), 10-4, Friday at the Farrington Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. ISU defeated TSU with 11 hits and two Bobcat errors.
Henderson recorded five RBIs in the game, which set a career-high mark for the senior first baseman. Olson tallied three RBIs, while Niki Stansell drove in two runs.
Illinois State was scoreless until the third inning when the Redbirds scored six runs on three hits. Kara Nelson started the inning by nearly hitting a homer off of the top of the center field fence that put her on second. Jhavon Hamilton reached first on an error by Texas State. Olson hit a three-run homer with one out over the left field fence scoring three runs. Elizabeth Kay and Beth Current each walked in the inning putting two on base for Henderson's homer over the left field fence.
Texas State tried to rally in the bottom of the fourth and scored four runs on five timely hits. Leah Boatright, who was the leadoff hitter in the inning for Texas State, singled to left field followed by a single to center field from McKenzie Baack. Jenna Emery hit a ball up the middle to score Boatright, while advancing Baack to second. Baack and Emery moved into scoring position on a wild pitch and later scored on two hits. Kristina Tello also scored in the inning for Texas State.
ISU increased its lead in the top of the seventh with four runs on four hits. Stansell and Henderson each brought in two runs in the inning to give the Redbirds a six run lead.
Jordan Birch took the win, while Megan Warner came in for the save. The ISU pitchers struck out nine TSU batters in the game.
Illinois State will take on host No. 5 Arizona State Friday evening.
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