ATLANTA - Illinois softball closed out the ACC/B1G Challenge with a 4-3 win over host Georgia Tech on Sunday afternoon at Mewborn Field.
Sydney Sickels got the win in the circle for Illinois (5-4) as the right-hander tossed 2.1 shutout innings, giving up two hits, and striking out one. Tori McQueen started the ballgame and pitched 4.2 innings, surrendering three runs, two earned, on three hits and striking out three.
Kelly Ryono led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, posting a home run and logging two RBI. Megan Ward put together a standout performance as well, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Delaney Rummell added a 1-for-3 outing at the plate for Illinois with an RBI double.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Illini got the scoring started early, with a leadoff homer coming off the bat of Ryono.
A scoreless second and third inning followed for the Orange and Blue, but the one-run advantage dissolved in the fourth frame. An error and a two-run blast by the Yellow Jackets (4-5) put the Illini behind, 3-1.
The Fighting Illini back on the board in the fifth trailing when a fielder's choice and a double by Rummell plated three runs for Illinois, giving the team the 4-3 edge.
A leadoff single in the top of the seventh threatened the Illini advantage, but Sickels and the Illinois defense held Georgia Tech scoreless in the frame, ending the 4-3 triumph in the weekend finale.
Illinois heads to Houston for a tournament hosted by the Cougars from Feb 24-26.
GAME NOTES
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Yellow Jackets at a 7-5 clip.
» Illinois went 3-for-10 (.300) with runners in scoring position.
» Sickels improved to 3-0 this year, pitching in relief for the third time this season.
» The Illini wore navy uniform and are now 2-1 in those.
» The team is now 3-1 against ACC opponents this year.
