NORMAL, Ill. – After a rainy weekend in Arizona, the Illinois State softball team returns to action at the Hilltopper Spring Fling in Bowling Green, Kentucky, The Redbirds will face Western Kentucky, Wright State, Austin Peay, and IUPUI during the Thursday through Saturday tournament.
Notes // Live Stats: at WKU, vs. Wright State, vs. Austin Peay, vs. IUPUI
The Redbirds begin the Hilltopper Spring Fling on Thursday against tournament host, Western Kentucky at 3 p.m. On Friday, Illinois State takes on Wright State at 9 a.m. at the WKU Softball Complex before facing Austin Peay at 1:30 p.m. at Buchanon Park. The Redbirds wrap up the Hilltopper Spring Fling against IUPUI Saturday at 10 a.m.
The Redbirds came away with a 1-1 record after three games were canceled due to rainy conditions at the Arizona State Littlewood Classic in Tempe, Arizona. Illinois State topped No. 17 Mizzou but fell to host, Arizona State on Friday.
For the first time in 22 years, the Illinois State softball team defeated 17th-ranked Mizzou, 7-3 – marking the program's first ranked win since 2013. The Redbirds capitalized on a pair of home runs and a two-run double to solidify the win. Sarah Finck failed to issue a walk in her third complete game of 2017.
In her second-consecutive weekend batting over .550, Shannon Felde was named the MVC's softball Player of the Week – the second weekly honor for the Redbirds this season.
Redbirds vs. The Field
Illinois State holds a combined 12-3 all-time record against the field this weekend. The Redbirds lead the series against Western Kentucky, 5-2. Illinois State is undefeated against Austin Peay, 5-0 and IUPUI, 1-0. The series is tied with the Raiders, 1-1 with the most recent meeting in 2010.
Redbirds Down No. 17 Mizzou
On Feb. 17, 2017, the Illinois State softball team defeated 17th-ranked Mizzou, 7-3 at the Arizona State Littlewood Classic – marking the Redbirds' first ranked win since 2013. A pair of home runs and a two-run double solidified the Redbird's 7-3 over the regional powerhouse.
• First win over Mizzou since May 5, 1995 (W, 5-1)
• First win over a ranked opponent since March 3, 2013 (def. #13 Lafayette, 4-3)
MVC Player of the Week
In her second-consecutive weekend batting over .550, Shannon Felde was named the MVC's softball Player of the Week, following the second weekend of competition. Felde posted another top batting average to lead the Redbirds to a 1-1 record. She hit .571 with three RBI on four hits before the ASU Littlewood Classic was called due to rain. In her fourth-consecutive multi-hit game, the sophomore sparked the Redbirds' offense against Arizona State with one RBI. In Illinois State's historic win over No. 17 Mizzou, Felde drove in two runs to give ISU the early lead over the perennial powerhouse en route to the 7-3 win.
MVC Newcomer of the Week
In her collegiate debut, Alyssa Wiebel was named the MVC's softball Newcomer of the Week to open the 2017 season – the first conference weekly honor for the Redbirds since 2015. Wiebel led the Illinois State softball team with six RBIs, two home runs, and a 1.000 slugging percentage. The freshman went 3-for-4 in her collegiate debut against No. 25 USF, driving in one run. Wiebel launched a two-run home run against No. 6 Michigan on Friday – one of only three home runs allowed by Michigan that weekend. The Van Horne, Iowa native moved into the clean-up spot in the lineup for the two remaining games of the weekend. Wiebel went 2-for-3 against Delaware with three RBIs and three runs.
Preseason MVC
Returning starters, catcher Jordan de los Reyes and shortstop Riley Strandgard were named to the Valley's 2017 preseason all-conference team last week. As a team, Illinois State was selected for a fifth-place finish in the conference standings, behind league favorite Drake.
Schedule Outlook
The Redbirds embark on the 2017 season in a similar fashion to the previous year, competing in annual tournaments at USF, Arizona State and LSU. In addition, the Redbirds will travel to Western Kentucky and Florida Atlantic before beginning Missouri Valley Conference play on March 17. The nonconference slate features 11 NCAA Tournament teams from 2016, including Super-Regional winners Michigan and LSU. The Redbirds will face seven teams ranked in the NCFA's preseason coaches' Top 25 poll.
Youngest in the Valley
With only two seniors on the 23-person roster, the Illinois State softball team has the youngest squad in the Valley and the 10th-youngest squad in NCAA Division I Softball this season. Annie Heineman and Jordan de los Reyes make up nine percent of the team, consisting of seven freshmen, sophomores, and juniors each.
Up Next
The Redbirds travel to the LSU Tiger Invitational in Baton Rouge, Louisiana March 3- 5. Illinois State will face 2016 NCAA Tournament teams LSU, Illinois, Florida Atlantic, and Minnesota, in addition to Troy.
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