FORT MYERS, Fla. – The UIC softball team (3-2) wrapped up the FGCU Invitational on Sunday morning with its second comeback win over Memphis (5-5). The Flames came back to tie the game twice before taking over the lead in the bottom of the sixth and were able to fight off a bases-loaded threat in the top of the seventh to complete the comeback, 6-5. UIC finishes its first weekend of competition with a 3-2 record.

Game Highlights

• A bases loaded fielder's choice allowed Memphis to score first in the top of the third, 1-0.
• Two doubles and two singles increased the Tigers' lead to three in the top of the fourth, 3-0.
• The Flames took advantage of three Memphis errors, putting up three runs in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game. Tara McElligott led off with a walk, stole second and came around to score after a Kayla Pociejewski sacrifice bunt resulted in a Memphis throwing error. Cassie Kaelber replaced Pociejewski with a fielder's choice, stole second, and made it all the way home on another Tiger error. Maddie Spinks drew a walk and took second on a wild pitch, and Alannah Cran followed with a single to the pitcher. Another Memphis miscue plated Spinks, tying the game at three.
• Memphis took back the lead in its next at bat off a UIC error, 4-3.
• UIC answered in the bottom of the fifth to once again bring the game to a tie. Alyssa Griman walked, and Jordyn Cebedo was brought in to pinch run. McElligott moved her over with a sacrifice bunt, and a Memphis error allowed her to score, 4-4.
• A UIC error, a hit-by-pitch and a single allowed Memphis to once again break the tie in the top of the sixth, 5-4.
• Another leadoff walk got things started for the Flames in the bottom of the sixth, which was followed by a fielder's choice, a Tiger error and a Kayla Wedl single to load the bases. Samantha Ferguson and Alyssa Griman both drew walks to allow two runs to score and give UIC its first lead of the game, 6-5.
• Memphis threatened in the top of the seventh, loading the bases with one out, but its final two batters flied out to allow the Flames to complete the comeback, 6-5.

Facts & Figures

• The Flames were outhit, 11-3, but were helped by five Memphis errors and their patience at the plate, drawing nine walks.
• Kayla Wedl, Sam Ferguson and Alannah Cran made up UIC's three hits.
• Ferguson and Alyssa Griman took credit for the Flames' two RBIs.
• Allie Trudeau got the start and returned to get the save, pitching a total of 4.1 innings and allowing three runs off seven hits while striking out two.
• Christina Toniolo dealt 2.0 innings, allowing one run off one hit. Jennah Speth pitched the remaining 0.2 innings and allowed one run off three hits.

Up Next
The Flames will head west next weekend for the Fresno State Invitational.