FULLERTON, California – The Southern Utah Softball team opened the season with a 3-2 win over the University of Illinois at Chicago on Friday afternoon at the Fullerton Easton Classic. The Thunderbirds swung the bat well, racking up ten hits in the game. Sophomore outfielder Alayah Toscano led the T-Birds at the plate with three crucial hits and three RBIs.  

Coach Don Don Williams Said

"Today was a great team win with some clutch performances."

Recap

Southern Utah opened up the scoring in the top of the third inning when Bella Garcia reached safely on a line drive single to right field. Bella Freund came in to pinch run for her and moved to second on a passed ball before advancing on a ground ball by Laurie Cooke. Alayah Toscano fired a line drive to left field to score the first run of the game. 

UIC answered with a run in each of the next two innings to put them on top 2-1. Toscano wasn't done coming to the plate in the top of the 5th and belting another line drive, this one to center, scoring Garcia and Cooke to regain the lead. The score would hold for Southern Utah to open the season on a win. 

Several Thunderbirds, including Toscano, Garcia, and senior infielder Miranda Lopez, had multiple hit games. Junior Keimon Winston picked up the win, going four innings, giving up two runs on three hits, and striking out two. Freshman Emily Delgado pitched the back half of the game, shutting the Flames down and striking out three. 

Next Up

The Thunderbirds continue at the Fullerton Easton Classic on Saturday, February 10, with a doubleheader beginning at 3:00 p.m. MT against the University of the Pacific and 5:30 p.m. MT against Colorado State University.

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