NORMAL, Ill. – The regular season is winding down for the Illinois State softball team as they have just one series remaining. The Redbirds will travel to Des Moines, Iowa for a three-game series against the Missouri Valley Conference's top team, Drake, Saturday and Sunday.
The Redbirds are coming off of a series win against Loyola last weekend in Normal. ISU took the first two games in come-from-behind fashion before falling in the series finale. ISU has won six of its MVC series this season compared to two losses, which were both sweeps.\
Offense has not been an issue for the Redbirds as they average almost five runs per game. Last week, ISU was helped by several key offensive performances.
Kara Repp was on fire at the plate, finishing the week 7-13 with a .538 average and leading the team in hits. She scored four runs and drove in three others while one of her hits was a double. Repp's .625 on-base percentage was second on the team and she also drew three walks.
Jordan de los Reyes also had a great week, going 4-6 against Loyola with a double, two home runs and four RBIs. She also scored four runs and slugged 1.183 percent.
For all of ISU's hitting success, Drake has had just as much success in the circle. The Bulldogs lead the MVC in pitching and are led by Rebekah Schmidt and Nicole Newman. Both pitchers have an ERA under three and have double figure wins.
The pair's dominance has led to 12 shutouts this season and has put Drake on the cusp of an MVC title. The Bulldogs hold a half-game advantage over Missouri State for the conference lead with one weekend remaining.
Much is at stake for the Redbirds as well. ISU currently sits in sixth place in the standings, but could finish anywhere from eighth to second depending on what happens. If ISU finishes in the top four they would receive a bye from the first round.
ISU leads the all-time series over Drake, 58-24 and the Redbirds have won the last two meetings. Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 12 and 2:30 p.m. while Sunday's finale will begin at noon. All three games will be broadcast live on GoRedbirds.com.
GoRedbirds.com:Â Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
