Box Score May 9, 2012
Box Score 
VALPARAISO, Ind. - Senior
Ashley Hewett threw a no-hitter through four innings Wednesday to open the Horizon League Tournament at Valpo Field in Valparaiso, Ind. The third-seeded UIC softball team (26-26/12-10 Horizon) was outlasted by sixth-seeded Green Bay in a 5-1 outcome.
Sophomore Natalie Hernandez posted a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning to score the sole run for the Flames. It was her fifth home run of the season.
Hewett started for the Flames inside the circle, where she blanked three-consecutive batters in the top of the second inning, two swinging and one looking. In her six innings of work, she threw a no-hitter through five of the innings.
The Phoenix took the lead in the top of the fifth inning as a runner on second scored off a stand-up double, followed by another RBI from a ball hit through the left side.
The Flames had opportunities to score during the bottom of the sixth inning. With consecutive base hits by sophomore Courtney Heeley and senior Melinda Macias, Hernandez laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Phoenix pitcher, Allison Goecks, intentionally walked junior Coryn Schmit to load the bases. The three Flames runners were stranded with a strikeout and pickoff at third base.
In the bottom of the seventh inning Green Bay took a hefty lead and scored three runs. UIC was unable to comeback, and fell to the Phoenix, 5-1.
The Flames continue play in the tournament Thursday at 6:30 p.m. (CT) at Valpo Field. The team will either face No.1 Valparaiso or fifth-seeded Butler.
--UIC--
