March 18, 2003

Box Score

Stockton, Calif. - The University of Illinois at Chicago softball team fell behind the eight-ball early and were unable to recover, as the Flames dropped a 10-4 decision at the hands of Utah in the opening game of the Pacific Mini-Tournament on Tuesday afternoon.

With the victory, Utah improves to 8-13 on the season, while the Flames fall to 4-17 overall.

Utah opened a 6-0 lead over UIC and starter Brittany McIntyre (3-7) to open the game. UIC was able to narrow the gap to 6-4, behind a four-run fourth inning, but would come no closer as Utes' third baseman Melissa Stahnke (sacrifice fly) launched a grand slam in the bottom half of the fourth to put the game out of reach for the Flames.

McIntyre took the loss for the Flames as the Orland Park, Ill., native allowed 10 runs and 11 hits in four innings of work. Brianna Gourdin (1-0) earned the victory for the Utes as she scattered five hits in four innings of relief.

Sophomore third baseman Sara Hernandez (2-for-4) provided the offensive highlights for the Flames as she connected for a two-run homer, her first of the season, in the top of the fourth inning.

The Flames would add two more runs in the frame behind a Nicole Shepard (2-for-3, run) single and an infield single by center fielder Cameron Astiazarian to cut Utah's lead to 6-4.

UIC will be back in action at 2:30 p.m. today, as they will square off with the host Pacific Tigers.