Box Score Feb. 12, 2012
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Sophomore Jacki Fletcher (Lowell, Ind./Lowell) hit her first homerun of the season in the fourth inning Saturday against host team, New Mexico State (3-0), but the Flames (2-3) fell in a 5-2 decision in the final game of the Hotel Encanto Invitational at the New Mexico Softball Complex in Las Cruces, N.M.
"Today came down to us giving NMSU extra opportunities, and they took advantage of them," head coach Michelle Venturella said. "Devin (Miller) threw the ball well as she kept some of their best hitters in check. It was great to face tough competition during our first weekend."
UIC totaled nine hits to NMSU's eight, while Fletcher and sophomore Jenna Marsalli (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) had two apiece and five Flames members chipped in one hit.
NMSU came out to an early 5-0 lead over the Flames in the bottom of the second inning. Fletcher then had a solo homerun in the top of the fourth inning to improve the UIC score to 5-1.
UIC then earned its second run of the day in the fifth inning as senior Melinda Macias (Chino, Calif./Don Antonio Lugo) hit a sacrifice fly to left field with the bases loaded to send Marsalli across the home plate.
The Aggies were able to contain the Flames in the sixth and seventh innings to find a 5-2 victory on the contest.
The Flames return to action against Villanova Friday at 10:00 a.m. (CT) as FIU (Florida International) plays host to the Blue and Gold Felsburg Invitational in Miami, Fla.
Box score to follow ...
--UIC—
