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Illinois State University Athletics

Emme Olson
11
Winner Michigan MICH 3-2
4
Illinois State ILS 0-5
Winner
Michigan MICH
3-2
11
Final
4
Illinois State ILS
0-5
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Michigan MICH 5 2 0 0 0 0 4 11 16 1
Illinois State ILS 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 4 3

W: Storako, Alex (3-1) L: Felde, Shannon (0-3)

Game Recap: Softball | | Shelby Hild

Softball Drops 11-4 Decision to No. 19 Michigan in Opening Weekend Finale

TAMPA, Fla. – The Illinois State softball team (0-5) wrapped up its tough opening weekend Sunday with an 11-4 decision to the nationally-ranked Michigan Wolverines. The Redbirds' four runs against Michigan marks the most scored against a ranked opponent since Illinois State tacked on four in a 5-4 decision to then-No. 25 USF in the 2017 season opener.

BIRD BITS

Top Performers:

Pitching Breakdown:

BY THE NUMBERS / KEY INNINGS

  • Allison Spence hit a two-RBI single to short left field in the bottom of the second inning to bring the Redbirds within three, after the Wolverines opened the game with five runs.
  • Michigan extended its lead in the top of the second to jump back out to a five-run lead, before Morgan Day and the Redbird defense sent the Wolverines down in order in the third.
  • In the fourth inning, Day hurled a pair of strikeouts to close the top of the frame and leave a runner in scoring position. ISU junior Taylor Vanderpool launched her first career home run in the bottom of the inning to bring the Redbirds back within four.
  • Catcher Ellie Weltha made a diving catch in foul territory in the top of the fifth for the third out, as Michigan left the bases loaded.
  • Newcomer Emme Olson knocked her first career home run over the left field wall to lead off the fifth inning for ISU, bringing a new pitcher into the game for the Wolverines, as the Redbirds trailed, 7-4.
  • The last time ISU hit at least two home runs in a single game was at Evansville on April 29, 2017.
  • Michigan scored four runs in the top of the seventh to fight off ISU's comeback.

ON DECK

Illinois State will continue its season next weekend at the Littlewood Classic, hosted by Arizona State in Tempe, Arizona. The Redbirds' appearance at the tournament marks the 29th straight year Illinois State has traveled to the Littlewood Classic.  

For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB) and Instagram (@redbirdsoftball).

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.

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