TEMPE, Ariz. – After a big offensive performance earlier in the day, the Illinois State softball team was unable to scratch a run across in the night cap against nationally-ranked Arizona State, falling 3-0, at Farrington Softball Stadium.
QUOTING COACH FISCHER
On ISU's overall performance on Friday…
"I thought we played a very good first game. It was a back-and-forth battle from the start, and overall, a really good ball game. We had opportunities to string a series of hits together, which made a huge difference in the outcome. We had more opportunities against Arizona State, especially in the sixth inning, but just couldn't get a timely hit when we needed it."
On relief pitching by Mack Leonard…
"Mack came into the circle in relief against Boise State and shut them down fairly quickly. She turned in another good outing in relief for us tonight, not allowing another run and only giving up one hit in three innings against Arizona State."
On the team's top performers on Friday…
"We had good production off the bench for us today. Dayna (Kennedy) stepped into the first game and got a big hit for us and Chloe (Jefferson) was able to draw a walk. Spenser (Strandgard) had a huge first game against Boise State, going 4-for-4 with her first career home run. Emme (Olson) also had an overall good day offensively. I thought Hannah (Ross) did a nice job in her first collegiate start in the circle against Arizona State and Kadi (Borries) made two big catches in right field."
BIRD BITS
Top Offensive Players:
Pitching Breakdown:
BY THE NUMBERS / KEY INNINGS
- Arizona native Hannah Ross earned her first career start in the circle for the Redbirds against her hometown team.
- A sac fly to right field in the bottom of the first helped the Sun Devils take an early lead over the Redbirds.
- Andrea Coursey knocked a one-out double to left center field in the top of the second for ISU's first hit of the game.
- Arizona State extended its lead in the third, lifting a two-run home run over the center field wall.
- Mack Leonard checked into the circle for ISU in the fourth, as the Redbirds sat down the Sun Devils in order in the frame.
- The Redbirds rallied in the top of the sixth, loading the bases, before Arizona State turned a double play to escape the inning and hold on for the shutout win.
ON DECK
Illinois State will continue the Littlewood Classic on Saturday, when it faces Boise State (RV) and No. 10 Kentucky at 10 a.m. CT and 3 p.m. CT, respectively.
For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB) and Instagram (@redbirdsoftball).
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