Softball Knocks Out Fighting Illini

Friday, February 24

Houston, Texas

5:30 p.m.

University of Houston

8-4

Illinois

6-5

Illinois

Houston

2/24/2023 8:34:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Robertson, Coleman homer while Wilkey tosses complete game

HOUSTON – The University of Houston softball team scored in four separate innings in a 9-3 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday evening at the Cougar Softball Stadium.

Sophomore Turiya Coleman continued to lead the way for Houston (8-4) offensively, going 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBIs. Emma Robertson hit her first career home run in the game and added two runs, while Kenna Wilkey threw her third complete game of the year to earn her fourth victory in the circle.

The Cougars pounced on opportunities early. Britaney Shaw drove home a run with a sacrifice fly, while Turiya Coleman later scored on a passed ball to give Houston a 2-0 lead after one.

Illinois (6-5) cut into the gap with a run in the second, but Robertson responded with a home run in the bottom half of the inning to reestablish Houston's two run lead. Coleman followed it up with her own solo homer in the third to put the Cougars ahead 3-1.

The Fighting Illini cut into the deficit again in the fifth, plating a run to cut the Cougar lead down to one.

Houston nearly earned a run-rule win in the sixth with five runs crossing home after stringing together a rally with the bases loaded. Following the Cougars' surge, the Fighting Illini plated an unearned run in the seventh, but Wilkey shut the door on any comeback attempt to give Houston the 9-3 win.

NOTABLES
-       Coleman has reached base in all 12 games for Houston this year. Coleman and Thomas are also both on seven game hitting streaks.
-       Houston stole three bases tonight, bringing its total to 21 on the year. Coleman and Thomas pace the team with seven each.
-       Wilkey now has 29 complete games in her career, including 10 at Houston.
-       Seven different players scored a run for Houston.

UP NEXT
Houston plays a doubleheader on Saturday as part of the Houston Tournament. The Cougars start with a 3 p.m. rematch against Illinois, followed by a 5:30 p.m. meeting with Pitt.

BUY TICKETS
Fans can purchase Houston Softball tickets by calling 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) or by clicking here.

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Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.

JOIN the DIAMOND CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Softball program by joining the Diamond Club. To find out more information about the Diamond Club, click here or call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684).

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