CHICAGO—The UIC softball team ended its five-game homestand with a win over Loyola Wednesday night, 3-2.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH LYNN CURYLO
"Really excited for the entire team," Curylo said. "We had some young players really step it up, including Jojo Santiago at second base. Our defense was fantastic today. I am really excited for the way that they competed, 1-7. Most of all, we were happy to get Christina (Toniolo) that win."

Head coach Lynn Curylo shares her thoughts after today's victory over the Ramblers! #FireUpFlames pic.twitter.com/RazaNTEnRa

— UIC Softball ???? (@UIC_Softball) April 13, 2023

 
COMMENT FROM SENIOR CHRISTINA TONIOLO
"That was a complete team win," Toniolo said. "I could not have done it without the defense behind me. They made some amazing plays. I know I had a rough start in the beginning but knowing that my defense had my back behind me really helped me get into my zone."

 

Christina Toniolo shares her thoughts after her complete game in the circle against Loyola today!#FireUpFlames pic.twitter.com/L6140SMqrw

— UIC Softball ???? (@UIC_Softball) April 13, 2023

• In her 18^th start of the season, senior Christina Toniolo was lights out after a tough first inning. After allowing three hits in the first inning, she only allowed two more hits for the remainder of the game. She pitched 7.0 innings, striking out two and walking one.
• The Flames got on the board after a double from sophomore Larissa Ortiz scored senior Carlee Jo Clark for her first RBI of the season.
• Strong defensive play behind Toniolo worked in the Flames favor, including two big diving plays from junior Anna Walker and sophomore Jojo Santiago to end the top of the fourth inning.
• The Flames took the lead when a flyball from Walker was dropped by a Loyola outfielder that scored freshman Tess Altevers-Harris and Gianna Richy.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

• After spending the last five games at Flames Field, UIC is set to be back on the road this weekend taking on Missouri State.
• The series is set to begin on Friday, with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m.
• Friday and Sunday's games will be streamed on ESPN+. Saturday's game will stream on ESPN3.
• This will be the first time these programs will compete against one another.

#VSCANCER

• In collaboration with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, members of the UIC softball program are raising money in the fight against pediatric brain tumors and childhood cancer.
• This be an ongoing fundraiser throughout the month of April and will culminate on April 28 when UIC hosts Bradley to begin a three-game series.
• Fans are encouraged to go to the Flames Vs. Cancer home page to donate.