No. 16 Softball Shuts Out Illinois

MIAMI The 16th-ranked Oklahoma softball team remained perfect on the season after shutting out Illinois, 3-0, in the Diamond Fun and Sun Classic in Miami, Fla., on Saturday afternoon. OU used a three-run fourth inning to score all of its runs and was highlighted by Norrelle Dickson's inside-the-park two run homer.

The Sooners, who will meet Florida International on Saturday night, are guaranteed the No. 1 seed in the championship round on Sunday.

OU improved to 3-0 on the season and so did starting junior pitcher Lauren Eckermann who earned her third win in a Sooner uniform and first shut out of the season. The two-time juco All-American allowed no runs and struck out six while surrendering only six hits.

Live Stats | Photo Gallery

Neither team could get much offense going until Illinois threatened in the bottom of the third with a two-out rally. The Illini's Hope Howell used a bunt single to reach first and leadoff hitter Molly Lawhead followed with a single up the middle. Next, the Fighting Illini loaded the bases as Shanna Diller walked. However, the Sooners escaped as the next batter flew out in foul territory to left fielder Amber Flores.

Oklahoma responded as they took the first lead of the game in the top of fourth as Stacia Aleman scored on Traci Dickenson's RBI double to center field. Dickson followed that with her inside-the-parker that also brought in Aleman and the Sooners found themselves leading, 3-0.

It marked only the second home run of Dickson's career and first since her freshman year (March 12, 2004 vs. New Mexico).

Offensively, the Sooners collected eight hits as Dickson and Savannah Long led the way with two each while Dickenson recorded her second double of the season.

Oklahoma will continue play in the Diamond Fun and Sun Classic this evening at 6 p.m. (CST) against host school FIU. The game was originally scheduled for 5 p.m., but was pushed back due to delays in the prior games of the tournament on Saturday.

The Sooners will meet Illinois State, whom they defeated 3-1 on Friday, in the championship game of the tournament on Sunday at 10 a.m. (CST).