NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball team returns to Doug Collins Court to tip-off the 2018-19 season as they host the Quincy Hawks on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.
REDBIRD BITS
• Head Coach Kristen Gillespie guided the Redbirds to their strongest finish in five years, during her first year at the helm.
• The Redbirds finished 14-16 overall and sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference in the 2017-18 season.
• The team moved up two spots in the preseason poll this year and were picked fifth in the MVC.
• Simone Goods was named Newcomer of the Year and earned Honorable Mention All-Conference Team last season.
• Sophomore point guard Paige Saylor returns for the Redbirds after clocking the most minutes in the Valley, averaging 37.9 minutes per game. She was also selected to the All-Defensive and All-Freshman Team.
• The Redbirds return four of five starters from last season, including Saylor, Megan Talbot, Viria Livingston and Katrina Beck.
 SCOUTING THE HAWKS
• Quincy finished the 2017-18 season 8-19 overall and 4-14 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
• The team was recently tabbed to finish 13th in the GLVC preseason poll.
• The Hawks are led by Jeni Garber, who enters her eighth season at the helm of the program. Garber has led the Hawks to three NCAA Tournament appearances and has a career record of 113-88.
NEXT UP
The Redbirds travel south to face the SIUE Cougars for their first official game of the season on Sunday, Nov.11 at 2 p.m.
