DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Drop Illini
4/30/2002 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
The Fighting Illini managed one hit off Chouinard in the opener and the Blue Demons gave her all the run support she needed with two in the first inning on the way to the victory. Gina Ramacci drove in both runs with a single to right field and DePaul never looked back.
The Blue Demons added an insurance run in the fifth inning making it 3-0. Christina Douglas singled starting the rally. April Valdez followed with a triple to left center bringing home pinch runner Ashley Parker.
Chouinard carried a no-hitter into the sixth, but Elene Planinsek singled to left opening the frame for the Illini’s only hit. The Illini were retired in order the rest of the way as Chouinard threw her sixth one-hitter of the season. In addition to throwing the one-hitter, she struck out eight with two walks.
Ramacci was 1-for-2 with two RBIs and Martz and Christina Douglas both went 2-for-3 with a run scored. Valdez finished 1-for-3 with an RBI.
In game two, the Blue Demons took the early advantage scoring a run in the first inning. Liz Bouck led off with a bunt single and advanced to second on an error. Sarah Martz sacrificed her to third and Christina Douglas brought her home with a sacrifice fly to center field.
The Demons built the lead to 4-0 in the third when Christina Douglas drove home three runs with a one-out double. Jenny Doezie, Bouck and Martz all came home after reaching on consecutive singles.
Illinois came back with four runs in the fifth off starter April Valdez knotting the score at 4-4. Valdez went five innings before being relieved by Chouinard. She picked up where she left off in the opener retiring the next six Illini batters.
With the scored still tied in the bottom of the seventh, Bouck led the inning off with a bunt single. Martz again sacrificed her to second. Christina Douglas followed with a shot up-the-middle. Bouck was held at third and Douglas took second on the throw into the infield. The Illini walked Valdez intentionally loading the bases for Ramacci. Pitcher Sherri Taylor hit Ramacci with the first pitch of the at-bat giving the Blue Demons’ their 40th victory of the season.
Bouck finished the game 3-for-4 with three runs scored and Christina Douglas drove home four runs after going 2-for-4. Martz was 2-for-2 with a run scored and Sarah Douglas was 2-for-3.
Chouinard improves to 23-3 on the season and lowers her ERA to 0.50, ranked fifth in the nation.
The Blue Demons now sit at 40-8 on the season. Illinois falls to 30-22.
Next up, DePaul travels to South Bend to take on the Fighting Irish. The teams will play a single game beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.
