Softball scores big wins at Hoosier Classic

Sophomore Laura Swan led UIC with five hits Saturday. Photo: Steve Woltmann

The softball team (5-12) came away with two big wins Saturday to close out competition at the Hoosier Classic.

The Flames defeated Michigan State, 4-3, before coming back to take down Indiana, 10-9, at Andy Mohr Field.

Sophomore Laura Swan led UIC with five hits on the day, followed by junior Paige Peterson and sophomore Dana Capocci with three hits each.

“We are really proud of the effort from our team,” head coach Michelle Venturella said. “We had two great games that challenged us in many areas and it was great to see us maintain our composure and get the wins. This was an important step that we needed to take before conference starts.”

In the first day of competition Friday, the Flames picked up a 4-3 win over Toledo before falling to host Indiana, 4-1, at Andy Mohr Field.

Senior Natalie Hernandez led the Flames on offense by producing an .857 batting average through both games after going 6-for-7 at the plate with three doubles and one home run.

“Natalie was simply outstanding and, overall, we did better playing pitch to pitch,” Venturella said.

The Flames head into Horizon League competition with their first series at Cleveland State.

The three-game series is scheduled to begin a doubleheader at 11 a.m. Saturday and conclude with the final game set for 11 a.m. Sunday.