TAMPA, Fla. - The UIC softball team (2-12) fell to the Florida A&M Rattlesnakes (5-13), 2-1 in nine innings of play Saturday morning. The Flames and Rattlesnakes were locked at 0-0 heading into extra innings, but FAMU was able to walk away with the victory. In UIC's second game of the day, the Flames were shut out by No. 24 USF (15-3) on Saturday afternoon. UIC managed only three hits against the Bull's ace, Georgina Corrick.

GAME ONE
UIC's offense was held to only three hits on Saturday morning. The Flames were led by Tara McElligott and Maica Ingles, who notched each of the UIC's hits. McElligott grabbed two hits, scoring Jojo Santiago with a single in the eighth inning to push the game to the ninth inning. Ingles grabbed one hit in the first inning with a single through the first and second basemen. Ingles also managed two walks on the day.

Christina Toniolo pitched a nine-inning complete game for the Flames. She allowed only five hits, and two runs, which were both unearned. Despite Toniolo's 1-6 record, she holds an outstanding 1.88 ERA. This game was Toniolo's fourth complete game of the season.

GAME TWO
The Flames took on the host, No. 24 USF Bulls, for the second time this weekend. The Flames had to face USF's ace in Corrick for a second time after being shut out by USF on Friday. UIC once again struggled to the star pitcher, grabbing three hits in seven innings of play.

Allanah Cran, Jojo Santiago, and Emma Crowley each managed a hit in Saturday afternoon's game, but the Flames were unable to capitalize against the Bulls.

Carlee Jo Clark started the game for the Flames but was relieved for Miranda Gomez in the third inning. Gomez pitched 1.1 innings before being relived for Toniolo. The workhorse finished out the game, pitching 2.2 innings against the Bulls. Toniolo pitched 11.2 innings on the day.

The Flames will take on Army for the second time this weekend on Sunday, Mar. 6, at 8:00 a.m.