Barda Completes Sweep of Illini with Two-Hit Shutout

Sunday, April 1

Champaign, Ill.

1:00 PM CT

Michigan

14-11-1, 2-0

Illinois

30-14, 2-2

Illinois

Michigan

4/1/2001 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The University of Michigan softball team won its second straight game over Illinois on Sunday (April 1), beating the Fighting Illini by the score of 2-0 to start the Big Ten season 2-0. Michigan scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning off a Rebecca Tune (Aloha, Ore./Jesuit HS) two-RBI single to center. The Wolverines received a two-hit shutout performance from senior pitcher Marie Barda (Darien, Ill./Hinsdale South HS), who struck out three on the day.

Michigan (14-11-1, 2-0 Big Ten) outhit Illinois 7-2 and had a threat to score in the third with two runners in scoring position but were unable to break through that inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Illini (30-14, 2-2 Big Ten) had their best chance to score and take the lead of a scoreless game. With two outs and runners on second and third, Michigan intentionally walked cleanup hitter Jenna Sartini to load the bases. Barda then was able to get the next batter to hit a grounder back to the circle to end the inning.

The Wolverines responded with their next at bat to take the lead. Freshman Monica Schock (Rialto, Calif./Eisenhower HS) led the inning off with a base hit. After senior Chrissy Garza (Southgate, Mich./Anderson HS) went to run for Schock, sophomore Melinda Moulden (LaCrescenta, Calif./Crescenta Valley HS) doubled down the leftfield line, moving Garza to third. Tune then responded with her single to center, scoring both Garza and Moulden for the victory.

Michigan will take on Oakland University in a non-conference doubleheader Tuesday (April 3) at Alumni Field, beginning at 3 p.m.