May 18, 2004

UIC SOFTBALL REGIONAL NOTES in PDF Format
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Chicago, Ill.- The UIC softball team will make its eighth all-time regional appearance on Thursday afternoon when they open play at the 2004 NCAA Region VI Championships in Ann Arbor, Mich., versus #10 Tennessee.

The seventh-seeded Flames (39-21) and second-seeded Lady Volunteers (53-14) square off at 11:30 a.m. CST at University of Michigan's Alumni Field.

In other first-round action at the Region VI Championships, #3 Oregon State (40-26) takes on #6 Bowling Green (34-28), #4 Notre Dame (48-18) locks horns with #5 DePaul (29-29-1) while the host #1 Wolverines meet #8 Canisius (23-28).

UIC enters this year's tournament as one of the hottest team in the country, having won 28 of its last 31 games.

The Flames' starting lineup features five players batting over .300 while their pitching staff boasts four different hurlers with at least six wins this season.

Horizon League Player of the Year Amanda Rivera leads UIC's offensive charge. The designated player is batting .384 this season with a school and league single-season record 20 home runs and 56 RBI.

Rivera has plenty of tournament experience as she boasts a .357 batting average with two walks and one RBI in five prior regional games.

In the circle, Horizon League Co-Pitcher of the Year Alison Aguilar brings a wealth of tournament experience as well with five regional appearances to her credit. She tossed a trio of complete games in 2002 postseason play, going 1-2 while allowing just four runs in 20 innings of work.

Aguilar leads the Flames this season with a 15-7 record and a 2.07 ERA.

For more on the UIC softball team as they gear up for the postseason, check out the updated game notes.