The Illinois State softball team returns to Valley conference action as it travels to Evansville, Ind., March 22-23, to take on the Evansville Purple Aces.
Over the last two seasons, softball games between Illinois State and Evansville have all the ingredients of a well-established rivalry. Last season, Evansville defeated Illinois State in the Valley Tournament Championship game, 3-2, and shattered the Redbirds hopes of an NCAA Regional bid. This season, Illinois State was picked No. 1 in the Valley Preseason Poll, followed by Evansville at No. 2.
Illinois State has an overall record of 10-12, but is 3-0 in the Valley, with last weekends sweep of Northern Iowa at the Redbird Softball Complex. Evansville is 13-6 overall, and went 2-1 against Indiana State in the opening weekend of Valley action.
Head coach
Melinda Fischer is excited about this early season match-up.
Evansville has gotten off to a great start this season, said Fischer. Most of Evansvilles team is returning from last seasons Valley championship team, and I know we remember that game. We are going to have to be ready to go in all aspects of the game.
The Redbirds and Aces meet for a noon doubleheader on Saturday, at Cooper Stadium. The series concludes on Sunday with a noon game.
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