SAN DIEGO - UIC softball (1-3) fell to Stanford and San Diego State on Saturday evening. Stanford defeated the Flames 6-2 in the first game on Saturday; San Diego State put up eight runs in the final four innings to seal the win. Tara McElligott stood out in today's games, especially against San Diego State. The senior hit two home runs against the Aztecs, including a grand slam in the second inning.

GAME ONE 
Carlee Jo Clark got her second start of the weekend against Stanford Saturday night. In Clark's first outing against Cal Poly, the transfer pitched a complete game shutout. Clark was ready to, once again, keep the opposing offense quiet.

Clark and the Flames were off to a strong start through the first two innings. UIC kept Stanford from doing any damage and tried to get comfortable in the batter's box.

Stanford struck first in the third inning of play after an infield error allowed the inning to continue. The Cardinal managed to score twice, taking the lead 2-0. UIC bounced back, responding with a score of their own in the top of the fourth inning. Maica Ingles managed to get on base, and Tara McElligott sent her home with a triple into right-center field. 

In the fifth inning, the Flames tied up the game as an Emma Crowley single up the middle sent Larisa Villa home to tie the game up. Stanford responded in the fifth with four runs, which ultimately sealed the game-one win for the Cardinal.

GAME TWO
The Flames struck first in the Saturday evening rematch between San Diego State and UIC. In the second inning of play, three consecutive errors by SDSU allowed the Flames to score their first run and get a rally started. Dee Dee Caskey got the party started with an infield single to score the second run of the inning. Ingles followed up with a single to keep the bases loaded and score the third run. McElligott stepped into the box and cleared the bases with one swing of the bat, giving the Flames their first homer of the season in grand fashion.

SDSU was able to score in the fourth inning off of a defensive error. McElligott quickly responded with her second home run of the game in the top of the fifth. San Diego State continued to claw their way back into the game, forcing Miranda Gomez off the bump in the bottom of the sixth inning. Carlee Jo Clark entered game two after pitching in the game prior.

The Aztecs continued to battle back and tied the game in the final inning of regulation. In extras, the Flames were unable to get their offense moving. SDSU kept the momentum that they had gained in the second half of the game, scoring the walk-off win.

The Flames will finish out the tournament tomorrow, Feb. 13, against Middle Tennessee State at 11 a.m.

QUICK HITS

• Tara McElligott hit two home runs in the game against San Diego State.
• McElligott finished with five RBI on the day.