Butler's first NCAA Tournament run came to end Saturday in Lexington, Ky., falling 2-1 in eight innings to Illinois in a tournament elimination game. The Bulldogs conclude the 2016 campaign with a record of 28-24.
Nicole Evans' double scored Alyssa Gunther in the bottom of the eighth inning to push the Illini (36-22) into another elimination game Saturday against the host Wildcats of Kentucky, the tournament's ninth overall seed that defeated Butler earlier in the day.
"What a great experience," said Butler coach Scott Hall. "I couldn't be more proud of our team. It was a great team effort all weekend in these conditions against this caliber of competition.
"We thought last weekend (BIG EAST Tournament) was fun, but we didn't want to just show up here this weekend and be satisfied. We came out and fought and I'm really proud of them."
Mikeila Boroff got the start for Butler and allowed the two runs in seven-plus innings. She stranded six runners on the day, including several at third base. She allowed eight hits and falls to 10-5 on the season.
Illinois got on the board first in the bottom of the third with Evans doubling in Gunther in a result that would duplicate itself in the extra frame. Butler answered in the fourth inning asBrandyce Sallee led off with a double and advanced to third on a Kaitlin Doud single. Alyssa Lachgrounded to third and the Illini throw pulled the first baseman from the bag and allowed Sallee to score to tie the game.
Butler's best chance to take the lead came in the sixth when Sallee led off the inning with a single. With one out, Doud doubled to left field, but Sallee was gunned down at the plate to keep the score tied.
Butler had seven hits in the game, led by two apiece from Sallee and Doud.
Jade Vecvanags went eight innings and allowed only the unearned run to improve to 14-10.
Utah has advanced to Sunday's Regional championship game. They will face the winner of tonight's match-up between Kentucky and Illinois. If Utah wins the first game Sunday, they will advance to next weekend's SuperRegional. If Utah loses that game, a second game will be required with a berth in the SuperRegional on the line.
