Illinois Tops CCU Softball Twice CONWAY, S.C. — The University of Illinois scored a doubleheader softball victory over Coastal Carolina at Lady Chants Field on Tuesday afternoon, winning 5-0 and 6-1. Coastal falls to 11-10 on the season, while Illinois improves to 15-8.
In the opener, Illinois pitcher Sherri Taylor (6-4) hurled a complete game five-hit shutout. She allowed just two walks while striking out six in the winning performance. The Fighting Illini took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third when LeeAnn Butcher reached after a leadoff single and scored when Erin Jones reached on an error by Coastal shortstop Kelli Julg.
Illinois scored twice more in each of the third and sixth innings in route to the victory. Lindsey Hamma and Katie O'Connell led the Fighting Illini with 2-for-3 performances, each adding an RBI and run scored. Coastal, which twice left the bases loaded, was led offensively by Kimberly Josephson's 2-for-4 game. Lauren Yates (3-2) took the loss for the Lady Chanticleers as she allowed nine hits and four earned runs in seven innings of work.
Hamma was a perfect 4-for-4 in game two and pitcher Abby Lovejoy (4-0) threw a seven-hitter to remain perfect on the season and lead Illinois to victory. Jami Bradley, O'Connell and Butcher each went 2-for-4 in the nightcap as the Fighting Illini connected for 13 hits.
Stephanie Belden (3-3) took the loss for the Lady Chanticleers, allowing the 13 hits and six earned runs, while striking out three. Josephson raised her batting average on the season to .333 with another 2-for-4 performance to pace CCU's hitters in game two.
Coastal Carolina will travel to Birmingham, Alabama, for a Thursday doubleheader against Birmingham-Southern at 5:00 p.m. (EST).
