May 16, 2009

| Quotes | Notes | NCAA Regional Central

COLUMBIA, Mo. - DePaul survived its elimination game in game four of the Columbia, Mo., NCAA Softball Regional, blanking third-seeded Illinois 6-0. DePaul still must survive one more elimination game to qualify for the regional championship.

Illinois scattered three hits off of Blue Demon pitcher Becca Heteniak, who pitch a complete game, striking out seven and improving her record to 25-8. The Illini were only able to manage more than one base runner in the fourth when Hope Howell singled and Kelley Wedel walked, but Heteniak was able to keep Illinois scoreless after Jamie Adishian flied out to left for the third out.

DePaul's first run came in the fifth off Illinois pitcher Monica Perry. Ashley Write reached on an error by shortstop Ashley Conrad and was moved to second off of Marie Thompson's sacrifice bunt. After Tara Voss was hit by a pitch, Shea Warren doubled to right to score Wright from second. Jackie Tarulli-Fisher then laid down a sacrifice bunt to bring in Voss from third capping off the two run inning. The Blue Demons scored again in the sixth when Brittney Ynizues hit a three run home run to left center and chased, losing pitcher, Perry off the mound after giving up five runs, three earned, in five innings with four strikeouts and one walk. DePaul homered again in the seventh when Tarulli-Fisher sent a solo shot over the left field wall against Illini pitcher Christine Christopoulos who finished the last two innings for Illinois giving up four hits and one run.

DePaul will face Bradley in an elimination game Saturday night at 6:30 (CT) to determine who will face Missouri in the title game Sunday at 1 p.m. (CT).