NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State will continue its grueling travel schedule this weekend when it opens Missouri Valley Conference play at Evansville. The Redbirds and the Purple Aces are scheduled to begin the three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 12 p.m., before wrapping up action at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
SERIES HISTORY
Illinois State holds the commanding 47-21 series advantage over Evansville, winning the last six games and 13 of the last 15 versus the Purple Aces. Last season, the Redbirds' three victories against the Purple Aces were a part of a seven-game win streak and the second home Valley series for ISU. Ali Domkuski got the starting call in series finale, tossing a career-high nine strikeouts in 4.1 innings of work.
SCOUTING EVANSVILLE
The Purple Aces enter the weekend with a 10-11 overall record, winning three of their last five contests. After opening the season on a four-game losing skid, Evansville turned it around with five-straight wins – four over Southern University – which included a run-rule victory over the Jaguars. Another notable win on the Purple Aces' season resume includes a 4-2 victory over former MVC member Creighton. Evansville is led by fifth-year head coach Mat Mundell, who is 78-149 and just 2-10 versus ISU head softball coach Melinda Fischer.
LAST TIME OUT
The Redbirds wrapped up pre-conference tournament play this past weekend, going 1-5 at the FAU/FIU Parent's Weekend Tournament in Florida. Freshman Mack Leonard earned MVC Newcomer of the Week status after pacing the Redbirds at the plate, turning in an impressive .438 batting average, going 7-for-16 with three runs scored, a double, two RBI and a team-high eight total bases. She posted a team-best 2.17 ERA in two appearances, earning her first career win as a Redbird, as the right-handed pitcher tossed her first complete game in a 6-2 win over tournament host Florida Atlantic.
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