NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State softball team hasn't played a game in 338 days, but that will all change tomorrow (Thursday), when the Redbirds open their 2021 campaign in Jacksonville, Florida. The Redbirds are set to kick off the River City Leadoff against North Florida at 3 p.m. CT, before taking on Clemson, who is currently receiving votes in the Preseason NFCA Top-25 Poll, as well as Jacksonville over the course of three days.
LINEUP
River City Leadoff – Jacksonville, Fla.
Thursday, Feb. 11 – at North Florida, 3 p.m. CT (Live Stats | Watch)
Friday, Feb. 12 – vs. Clemson, 11 a.m. CT (Live Stats | Watch)
Friday, Feb. 12 – at North Florida, 4 p.m. CT (Live Stats | Watch)
Saturday, Feb. 13 – vs. Clemson, 12 p.m. CT (Live Stats)
Saturday, Feb. 13 – at Jacksonville, 2:30 p.m. CT (Live Stats)
PICKING UP THE PIECES
After a shortened season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the loss of four key players, the Redbirds will look to continue its momentum during the 2021 slate. Illinois State returns key players in utility players Emme Olson, Dayna Kennedy and Mack Leonard, infielders Spenser Strandgard, Rebecca Moffett and Andrea Coursey, and a dynamic pair in pitcher Morgan Day and catcher Brittni LaFountaine.
FRESH FACES
Illinois State welcomes five freshmen to the Birdhouse in 2021. The class is highlights by a pair of local utility players - Hanna Hicks and Jayden Standish - while fellow Illinois natives Madi Bylak and Reili Gardner add depth to the infield and outfield, respectively. Right-hander Allison Tillema will add her talents to the strong Illinois State pitching staff.
MACK ATTACK
Junior utility player Mack Leonard gained the most valuable experience this summer, accepting an invitation to play in the Florida Gulf Coast Collegiate Softball League. After leading the Redbirds in 2020 offensively with a .443 batting average, and posting a 3.70 ERA in the circle, the Normal, Illinois, native continued to shine with the Myakka City RiverMocs. Entering the league playoffs, Leonard owned a 9-0 record in the circle and a .482 average at the plate and was named the league's MVP.
ALL SHE DOES IS WIN
With an 11-4 decision against Austin Peay on Feb. 28, 2020, Illinois State head coach Melinda Fischer secured her 1,100th career victory. Fischer's 1,104 career victories, spread out among 36 seasons as a collegiate head coach, at both Eastern Illinois (1979-80) and Illinois State (1986-present), rank her as the 19th-winningest coach in NCAA Division I softball history and the 10th-winningest active head coach.
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