The Illinois State softball team was picked to finish fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Coaches Poll released on February 6.
In addition to the team recognition ISU received, three Redbirds were singled out for preseason all-conference honors. Junior outfielder Lauren Bierwirth was named to the Preseason All-Valley Team, while junior Kate Stake and senior Emily Krueger received honorable mention plaudits.
Southern Illinois, which returns all of its starters from last years regional squad, was the unanimous preseason favorite. Creighton was picked second, followed by Wichita State at No. 3. Evansville followed Illinois State at No. 5 and SMS was picked to finish sixth. Drake, Northern Iowa, Bradley and Indiana State followed.
Illinois State has a tough schedule this season, as five of its opponents are ranked in the top 25 of the USA Today/NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) Division Preseason Top 25. The Redbird schedule includes No. 12 DePaul, No. 17 Iowa, No. 19 Florida State, No. 20 Arizona State and No. 24 Southern Illinois.
Currently, the Birds are 4-2 after tournaments at Florida International and Florida State, most recently finishing second
(3-1) in the Florida State Seminole Classic. Arizona State is Illinois States next stop, as the Redbirds will participate in the Louisville Slugger Classic in Tempe, February 20-22.
