STANFORD, Calif. - UIC softball (2-7) fell to San Jose State (4-4), 3-0 in game one; 7-3 to Stanford (6-2) in game two Saturday. The Flames managed 15 hits on the day, five against San Jose State and ten against Stanford. Despite the offensive output, UIC was unable to capitalize with runners on base. The Flames pitched well in the first inning behind a strong outing from Christina Toniolo, who pitched all six innings and only allowed three hits. The three runs allowed were all unearned.

GAME ONE
In the opening game for the Flames, UIC struggled to convert their offense into runs, notching six hits. The Flames left six runners on base over the game on the day. UIC had its chances but couldn't convert, with some unlucky plays rearing their heads in the late innings.

Toniolo had a strong outing on the mound despite the outcome. In her six innings pitched, she allowed only three hits and two walks. All three of the runs scored against Toniolo were unearned. Her record falls to 1-3 on the season.

GAME TWO
The Flames got off to a rocky start in the early goings of game two. UIC was able to grab four hits by the end of the fourth inning but was unable to score. Stanford took advantage, scoring a run in the first inning and two more at the end of the fourth.

The Flames were down five runs heading into the sixth inning. Tara McElligott started the Flames rally off with a double at the top of the sixth. McElligott made it to third after a passed ball by the Stanford catcher, and Samantha Ferguson followed up with a  five-pitch walk. Isabelle Garcia scored McElligott with a single through the right side that gave UIC its first run of the day. Hailey Cowing laid down a bunt single to load the bases with no outs, but three consecutive strikeouts cut the rally.

Stanford responded with two runs of their own, giving the Cardinal a six-run lead heading into the final inning. 

UIC responded with another rally in the seventh that was kicked off by a Maica Ingles single with one out. Ferguson doubled with two outs to score another run and put the momentum on the Flames side. Garcia reached on an error, and Alannah Cran followed with a single to right field that scored Ferguson.

Carlee Jo Clark was hit with the loss, putting her record at 1-3 on the season. Clark allowed five hits and three runs on the game.

Miranda Gomez pitched in relief in game two, allowing five hits and four runs, two of which were earned.

UIC will finish out the Stanford Invitational Tournament tomorrow, Feb. 20, at 11:30 against Seattle.