Softball Weekly Release #2

Feb. 21, 2006

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Horizon League News and Notes

Flames done with Vegas, heading to California this weekend
Preseason favorite UIC continues with its lengthy non-League schedule when the Flames head to Palm Springs, Calif. to take part in the Palm Springs Classic.

Last weekend, the Flames played five games in Las Vegas, Nev. as part of the Alexis Resort Kick-Off Classic. The team went 1-4 over the weekend, picking up the lone victory over Southern Utah. Junior catcher Elizabeth Jacoby paced the Flames' offense with a .444 (4-for-9) batting average. Freshman infielder Melissa Marinacci (.313; 5-for-16) and sophomore Nicole Robinson (.333; 4-for-12) also topped the .300 mark over the five-game stretch. Shortstop Joyce Cathey provided some power with the Flames' only two home runs and tied for a team-high with three RBI.

In the circle, sophomore righty Mercedes Lovato surrendered no earned runs in two appearances (4.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 SO). Freshman Sarah Clynes notched the staff's only win of the weekend and finished the weekend with a 1-1 mark and a 4.97 ERA.

The Flames take on Pacific, Cal State Fullerton, Stanford, Oregon State and Maryland this weekend in California.

Wright State plays two top-25s in Vegas
The Raiders got a taste of two powerhouse teams in the Louisville Slugger Desert Classic and finished the weekend with an 0-5 record.

Over the five games, WSU hit a combined .229. Sophomore Jacqueline Macy led the way with a .500 (7-for-14) batting average. Senior Brandi Steiner (.438; 7-for-16) and freshman Melanie McInally (.308; 4-for-13) also hit at over a .300 clip for the tourney.

In the circle, junior Amanda Cody appeared in all five games. She registered a 4.70 ERA in 15.1 innings pitched.

The Raiders return to action on March 4 to face Akron in Louisville, Ky. as part of the Courtyard Marriott Red & Black Classic.

UT-Martin cancels tournament, two teams washed out
The UT-Martin Hospitality House Softball Classic scheduled for last weekend was cancelled because of the high likelihood of inclement weather.

Butler and Cleveland State were both scheduled to take part in the event, but now the two teams will have the start of season delayed. Butler will now take the field for the first time on March 11 in the Rebel Spring Games, while CSU enters action on March 4 in the Comfort Suites Invitational in Richmond, Ky.

Ramblers opening up 2006 in Tennessee
Loyola lifts the lid on the 2006 season when it participates in the Middle Tennessee Breast Cancer Strikeout Classic, Feb. 25-26.