March 19, 2000

Box Score

Clearwater, Fla. - Trying to notch its first tournament title this season, the UIC softball team came up short on Sunday as they dropped a 2-1 decision to Minnesota in the semifinals of the Clearwater Parks and Recreation Tournament.

The Flames tried to send the game into extra innings putting together a furious rally in the bottom of the seventh inning. Trailing 2-0, Stefanie Christoferson led off the frame with a home run to left-centerfield. After Julie Bumgardner grounded out, Gina Arnold kept UIC's hopes alive with a single to left. Kathy Casey pushed Arnold into scoring position as she grounded out to short, putting the pressure on Amber Stachura. The sophomore answered the call, slapping a single into right field. Head Coach Mike McGovern waved Arnold around, but she was gunned down at the plate ending the Flames' tournament title bid.

Rory Gonzales-Gould (13-9) picked up the loss, allowing two earned runs, her first two of the tournament, while striking out six Gophers.

UIC (29-16) finished the Clearwater tournament with a 5-1 record and finished their spring trip with a 12-4 slate. They are back in action next weekend, March 24-26, at the 2000 Buzz Classic in Atlanta, Ga.