University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Illinois-Chicago
UMass Softball Defeats Illinois-Chicago, 4-3
March 15, 2002 | Softball
March 15, 2002
MIAMI, Fla. - Sophomore Jamie Cahalan's (Mesa, Ariz.) lead off single in the seventh inning sparked a two run come-from-behind UMass victory over Illinois-Chicago, 4-3, at the Blue & Gold Classic.
The Minutewomen plated a runner in the bottom of the second inning as UMass combined three hits and a walk to score pinch runner Hilary Puglia (Stoneham, Mass.). Junior hurler Kaila Holtz (North Vancouver, British Columbia) started the rally with a double to the center field fence. Cahalan followed with a walk and a single by junior Anna Perey (Chino Valley, Ariz.) loaded the bags with one out. After a UMass pop out, senior Ashley Bakken (Phoenix, Ariz.) slapped in Puglia on an infield hit to the short stop.
UMass added to its lead in the fourth as pinch runner KC Budrewicz (Buckland, Mass.) scored on a single to right field by Aisha Franke (Philadelphia, Pa.). Cahalan set up the inning with her second walk of the day.
The Flames retaliated in the top of the fifth inning, taking the lead, 3-2, on four hits and an UMass error. Holtz extinguished the rally, striking out two UIC batters to end the threat.
The Minutewomen opened the bottom of the seventh inning with five consecutive singles and a sacrifice fly to take the, 4-3, win. Cahalan opened the frame with a single to shallow center field followed by a single by Perey and a bunt single by Franke to load the bases. Bakken tied the game at three apiece with a hit through the right side to score Cahalan and junior Emily Robustelli (Stamford, Conn.) hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Perey for the game-winner.
Holtz allowed eight hits and two walks while fanning seven. UIC's Alison Aguilar gets the loss, evening her record against UMass at 1-1 this season.
The Minutewomen improve to 11-7 overall while UIC drops to 16-10. UMass will face tournament host Florida International this evening at 5:00 p.m.
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