March 11, 2007

Box Score

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Sophomore Kaprice Williams hit 3-for-4 with four RBI as No. 18 Illinois State claimed a 7-0 win over Southeast Missouri State today in the SEMO Spring Classic, held at the Southeast Softball Complex. The Redbirds improved their season record to 18-5, while the Redhawks fall to 3-7 on the year.

Illinois State produced an early 3-0 lead in the second inning on a three-run homer to left field from sophomore Kaprice Williams. The Redbirds increased their lead in the fourth inning on an RBI groundout from Casey Gorrell that scored junior Jessie Buker from second base.

Two more runs crossed the plate for the visitors in the fifth inning on a pair of run-scoring singles from Buker and Stacy Birk. Williams concluded the scoring in the seventh with a single through the left side to bring home freshman Chelsea Turner from second.

Junior third baseman Michelle Summers (Glendale, Calif./Hoover) paced the Redhawks by going 2-for-2 at the plate. Junior pitcher Elaine Fisher (St. Peters, Mo./Francis Howell North) fell to 1-6 on the year after allowing six runs on six hits in addition to posting three strikeouts.

Buker finished the game hitting 3-for-3 with a double, while senior Shannon Nicholson (11-3) captured the win by striking out seven Southeast batters and giving up only two hits.

The Redhawks will face IUPUI in the final game of the SEMO Spring Classic at 6 p.m., following the ISU-Belmont contest.