Feb. 18, 2001

Box Score

Houston, Texas - The UIC softball team gave up a season-high eight runs on Sunday as Northwestern State knocked the Flames out of the Houston Invitational Tournament with a 8-4 victory at San Jacinto Field.

UIC (9-7) wraps up the tournament with a 2-2 mark with both losses coming at the hands of the Lady Demons.

Northwestern State, an NCAA Regional qualifier a season ago, got to UIC starter Courtney Guthrie (1-1), who picked up her first loss of the year, early as they plated two runs off the freshman in the first, then one more in the second before she was relieved by fellow rookie Alycia Creese. Creese also allowed a run in the bottom of the second as the Lady Demons staked an early 4-0 lead.

UIC would get back into the game, though, as they put three across in the top of the fourth on a double by Jennifer Tiffany (1-for-2, 2B, 3 RBI) , and one more in the fifth on a solo blast by senior Stefanie Christoferson to even the score, 4-4. Christoferson' home run was her team-high tying third of the season.

Northwestern State quickly got its lead back in the bottom of the fourth as they put a four spot on the board for the final 8-4 advantage.

Amanda Ortega picked up the win for the Lady Demons, striking out 12 Flames while walking just two in seven innings pitched.

Errors, once again, plagued UIC as they committed three miscues in the game for the second straight-contest.

The Flames will be back in action on Friday, Feb. 23, as they open play at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga., with #15 Stanford.