Nov. 25, 2008
BELIZE CITY, Belize -
The Illinois State softball team began its nine-day Belize International tour with a bang Monday night, as the Redbirds combined to score 15 runs in 11-0 and 4-0 shutout victories over Telemedia and the Belize National Softball Team, respectively. ISU improved to 2-0 during its international softball tour with six games left to play.
In Monday's first game against Telemedia, the national softball champion of Belize, senior pitcher Amber Smith threw a one-hit shutout and struck out nine while allowing only one walk in picking up the victory. The Redbird lineup looked in early-season power-hitting form, as Illinois State recorded 15 hits in its 11-run rout.
Game two saw freshman pitcher Jordan Birch shut down the Belize National Team after she allowed only two hits to earn the win for ISU.
Illinois State is participating in a nine-day international playing tour of Belize. The Redbirds are coming off a 28-20 season in 2008 and return seven of nine position starters.
Illinois State will officially begin its 2009 season Feb. 6 at the South Florida Tournament in Tampa.
