Feb. 20, 2009

Box Score

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Junior Amy Solava threw a one-hit shutout and also drove in a run to lead Loyola University Chicago (1-0) to a 3-0 victory over Pittsburgh (2-5) this afternoon) at Chapman Field in the Ramblers' first game at the Islander Invitational. The Ramblers are now 2-3 in season openers under fifth-year head coach Yvette Healy.

Loyola wasted no time taking an early lead and seizing control of the game. Freshman Lauren Arceneaux ripped a two-out single in her first collegiate at-bat in the bottom of the first inning and promptly stole second base to move into scoring position. Angie Funston followed with a single, which scored Arceneaux, and moved to second on the throw to the plate. Solava then laced a single to center field, scoring Funston, and giving the Ramblers a 2-0 lead.

Pittsburgh's lone hit of the game came with one out in the bottom of the first, and from there Solava only allowed one base runner, courtesy of a walk, the rest of the way. Loyola added to its lead in the third inning when Areceneaux, who had reached on a fielder's choice, later scored on an error.

Solava struck out four en route to the victory and Funston and Jenna Grim each tallied a pair of hits, while Areceneaux scored twice and stole a pair of bases.

Loyola continues play at the Islander Invitational tonight when it faces host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 7 p.m. Central.