Feb. 27, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Following a successful weekend that saw the Illinois State softball team beat two nationally ranked squads and move to 11-4 overall on the year, the team is earning national notice of its own. The Redbirds are ranked No. 25 in the latest ESPN.com/USA Softball Top-25 poll, released on Tuesday afternoon.
Although the program has received votes in the poll since the first week of the season, ISU is making its first ever appearance in the ESPN.com/USA softball top-25, since the polls induction in 2003. Missouri Valley Conference rival Southern Illinois is ranked No. 22 in the poll, after picking up wins over Hofstra, Auburn and No. 20 Florida State last weekend at the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Leadoff Classic. Illinois State head coach Melinda Fischer believes that the debut speaks to the strength of the softball program and the tough schedule the `Bird's play.
"This is great recognition for our program and what this team has done so far this season," said Fischer. "It also speaks to what teams from the past two seasons were able to accomplish, conference-wise, regionally and then somewhat nationally. This is why we play the type of schedule that we do. We want to go up against the top teams from across the country and make a name for Illinois State. The other exciting thing is that two Valley teams are recognized this week in the poll, which speaks to the parity in our conference."
Boasting an even 3-3 record against top-25 clubs in 2007, the `Birds downed two ranked opponents last weekend at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga., besting No. 18 Georgia (3-0) and No. 16 Baylor (4-1).The Redbirds will have the opportunity to add to that total this weekend, as they head to Los Angeles, Calif., for the Stacy Winsberg Memorial Tournament. Illinois State will face off against tournament host No. 15 UCLA, in addition to No. 20 Florida and Long Beach State.
