April 20, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
The `Birds, who are at a first place tie in the league with Indiana State, own an overall record of 10-5 and a 6-1conference mark. In order for ISU to remain atop the conference, the team has to win both matches against Evansville and Southern Illinois. The matches will serve as the Redbirds' final dress rehearsal before they head to the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Team Championships on April 28-30 in Omaha, Neb.
Evansville recently lost to Northern Iowa, 6-1, and Drake, 4-3, in last weekend's conference matches. The Purple Aces are now in seventh place in the league with an 8-10 overall record and a 2-4 conference mark. Southern Illinois is in last place at 3-12 overall and 0-6 and is on a seven match losing skid since its 4-3 win against Eastern Illinois on March 20. Illinois State's last dual matches against Evansville and Southern Illinois were last spring. The `Birds claimed a 6-1 victory over the Purple Aces and defeated the Salukis, 7-0.
Despite Southern Illinois' and Evansville's records, head coach Chris Hoover and the team are not overlooking the competition.
"We can't let up or take either one of these teams lightly this weekend," said Hoover. "We have given ourselves a chance for the MVC title, and we need to continue fighting for it because nothing's guaranteed."
Illinois State's 4-3 comeback win over Wichita State enabled the `Birds to move above the Shockers in the league standings. The Redbirds acknowledge they are in the fight for the title once again.
"It is nothing new for Illinois State to be tied for first. We have been here a lot," said Hoover. "We just need to continue our strong play and continue working hard to earn the MVC title."
The Redbirds will play Evansville this Friday at 3 p.m and Southern Illinois on Saturday at 1 p.m. Both matches will be played at McCormick Courts.
