Head coach
Melinda Fischer and the Illinois State softball team are set to compete in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association eighth annual Leadoff Classic, Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23, in Columbus, Ga. The tournament will feature 24 of the nations top collegiate softball teams, including the defending Womens College World Series champion California, and the 2002 Leadoff Classic champ, Nebraska.
Of the 24 teams competing, 19 competed in NCAA postseason play in 2002, with 17 of which finished in last years final USA Today/NFCA Top 25. Illinois State will be competing in Pool 1, against No. 17 Alabama, Friday, at noon, and No. 23 Notre Dame, Friday, at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the Redbirds face No. 4 California, for a 10 a.m. game. The remaining schedule will be based upon the finish in pool play.
Fischer is excited to have the opportunity to play in what she deems the nations most prestigious collegiate softball tournament.
This is a tremendous opportunity for the team, said Fischer. We will face three ranked teams in our pool alone, and the experience we will gain is so beneficial.
Our number one goal for the tournament is to be competitive in each and every game that we play because that will give us a chance to win the tournament. It is a challenge that we are truly looking forward to, and we will give it our best, said Fischer.
The tournament format consists of six, four-team pools. Following pool play, the top team from each pool, along with two at-large teams, will advance to the gold championship bracket. The remaining four second-place teams along with four at-large teams will be placed in the silver championship bracket and the remaining eight teams will be assigned to the bronze championship bracket. All brackets will be single elimination/consolation. Each team will play a minimum of five games regardless of pool or bracket assignments.
After going 4-2 in the Louisville Slugger Classic hosted by Arizona State last weekend, the Redbirds improved their overall record to 6-5.
