Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
UIC
'Cats Freeze Flames, 8-3
3/30/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 30, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern opened its home schedule on the right foot and snapped a four-game losing streak Tuesday with an 8-3 win over city foe Illinois-Chicago in icy conditions.
Garland Cooper blasted a two-run double to deep center and Carri Leto and J.C. Kira both connected for two-run singles to pace the Wildcat attack, which scored seven runs in the middle three innings. NU ran the bases to keep warm in the frigid weather, swiping seven bases. Katie Logan recorded three of the Wildcat's steals.
Leto finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a triple. The triple brings the senior's career total to 13, moving her into a four-way tie for second place all-time at Northwestern. Lynna Hallick currently holds the record with 16 career three-baggers.
Senior shortstop Eryn Manahan also collected two hits in the game.
"We continue to build on the positives we saw at the end of our road trip in California," NU head coach Kate Drohan said. "We did a good job getting hits and playing our game, especially in the cold. This will help our confidence heading into the Big Ten season."
Northwestern has now won its last seven home openers dating to 1998. The last two such victories have come over the Flames (11-16).
Eileen Canney (8-2) started the game for the Wildcats, earning the win after allowing two runs -- one earned -- two hits and striking out five over four innings of work. Courtnay Foster pitched the final three innings for NU to earn the save.
Brittany McIntyre (3-6) started the game and took the loss for the Flames. Cameron Astiazaran hit a solo home run to left in the top of the seventh for UIC, an impressive feat considering the strong winds blowing in from right.
Northwestern returns to action at 6 p.m. Friday at Iowa to begin its Big Ten season.
