The Illinois State softball team is coming off an exciting Missouri Valley Conference weekend in which the Redbirds claimed the series victory over Drake, and are ready to face Western Illinois, Tuesday, April 15, in Macomb at 4 p.m. and host Northern Illinois at the Redbird Softball Complex on Wednesday, April 16, at 5 p.m.
Illinois State has a long-standing rivalry with both programs. The Redbirds lead the overall series against both Western Illinois and Northern Illinois. The Birds lead the series over the Westerwinds, 43-29, as well as over the Huskies, 53-31.
Head coach
Melinda Fischer will use these competitive mid-week match-ups in preparation for the rest of the conference schedule, which will continue this week in Omaha, Nebraska, as Illinois State takes on Creighton.
Western Illinois and Northern Illinois are both good programs, and we have always played competitively against them, said Fischer. At this point in the season, any time we step on the field we are trying to prepare for the conference schedule. In these games, we may switch around the line-up and give some players more experience on the field.
The last time Illinois State played Western Illinois was at the 2001 NCAA Regional in Iowa City, Iowa, when the Redbirds beat the Westerwinds 4-0. Last season, the Redbirds claimed two victories over the Huskies in DeKalb, Ill., 4-0 and 3-2.
Wednesdays home game against Northern Illinois will be available on WJBCs webcast beginning at 4:45 p.m. with Aaron Johnston providing the play-by-play. Fans can log on to the webcast from either www.redbirds.org or at www.wjbc.com.
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