TAMPA, Fla. – Illinois State Softball (0-1) opened its 2023 season Thursday afternoon at the USF-Rawlings Tournament, dropping a close 2-1 decision to Boston University (2-0).
BIRDS BITS
Offensive Highlights:Â
Pitching Breakdown:
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Terriers were on the board in the top of the first inning as a pair of one-out singles and a fielder's choice left runners on the corners. An error by Illinois State's defense then allowed the first run of the game to cross the plate for Boston.Â
- Illinois State had its first baserunner in the bottom of the second as Dayna Kennedy drew a leadoff walk. Jayden Standish followed with an infield single, and the throw allowed Standish and Kennedy to reach second and third respectively. A walk to Hanna Hicks loaded the bases, and Brandi LaFountaine recorded an RBI as she drew the third walk of the inning to bring Kennedy home.
- From there, it was a defensive battle until Boston led off the top of the seventh with a home run, making it 2-1 in favor of the Terriers.Â
- The Redbirds were unable to produce in the bottom half of the seventh, dropping the season opener 2-1 to Boston.
NOTES
- Two freshmen made their collegiate debuts for the Redbirds today. Utility player Abby Horton pinch ran in the bottom of the fifth for LaFountaine while pitcher Hannah Meshnick entered in relief of Hannah Ross in the top of the seventh and recorded an at-bat in the bottom half of the inning.Â
ON DECK
Illinois State returns to action at 8 a.m. CT Friday, Feb. 10 against Boston College and immediately follows with a contest against St. Joseph's (0-1) at 10:30 a.m. CT as part of the USF-Rawlings Tournament in Tampa, Fla.
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