The Illinois State softball team finished its fall schedule with a bang as they were named tournament champions of the Central Illinois Fall Festival, hosted by Bradley, this weekend at Eastside Centre in East Peoria, Ill. The Redbirds were the only team to go undefeated, finishing the tournament with five wins and zero losses.
On Saturday, Illinois State beat St. Louis Meramec, 4-0. Freshman Sheila Emms was on the mound for the Redbirds. She hurled 12 strikes and gave up only two hits.
The Redbirds then recorded the 1-0 victory over Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Senior pitcher Audra Rast was just as effective as Emms as she threw eleven strikes and gave up only one hit.
In the first game on Sunday, senior Corey Harris pitched the seven innings against Southern Illinois. The Redbirds beat the Salukis, 2-0.
Emms started on the mound in the Redbirds second game of the day against Bradley. Rast replaced Emms late in the game and gave up two runs, but the Redbirds held out for the 3-2 victory over the Braves.
Illinois State concluded the tournament with a 8-0 win over Illinois Central College.
Head coach
Melinda Fischer was pleased with the way the Redbirds fall schedule concluded.
Overall it was a good tournament for us, said Fischer. We moved a lot of players around and saw some good play from the newcomers.
The Redbirds will host Parents Day for the families of the team members on Sunday, October 6.
