KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A spark of energy for Illinois State (1-2) in the top of the sixth inning wasn't enough on Wednesday night, as the Redbirds fell 3-0 to RV/23 Tennessee (8-1).
BIRD BITS
Top Offensive Player:
Pitching Breakdown:
BY THE NUMBERS / KEY INNINGS
- Dayna Kennedy drew a lead-off walk in the top of the second inning, helping the Redbirds reach base for the first time in the game.
- Back-to-back two-out singles in the home half of the third inning helped the Lady Vols break open scoring, before doubling their lead in the fourth with a lead-off home run. Tennessee used a trio of hits in the fifth to extend its advantage to three runs, scoring for the third-straight inning.
- A called-strikeout wild pitch helped Reili Gardner reach base safely to start the sixth inning. A fielder's choice helped Kaili Chval jump on base, before Illinois State's first hit of the game by Emme Olson juiced the bases for the Redbirds with one out. Tennessee fought off the Redbirds' threat, as Lady Vols' starting pitcher Ashley Rogers escaped the inning with her 15th strikeout.
- Mack Leonard moved from first base into the circle in the sixth, recording a strikeout, and Jayden Standish made her collegiate debut as a pinch hitter in the seventh, but the Lady Vols held on for a 3-0 shutout win over the Redbirds.
ON DECK
Illinois State will officially begin tournament play at the Tennessee Invitational on Thursday, taking on UT Martin, before playing a doubleheader against the Skyhawks and Northern Kentucky on Friday. The Redbirds will wrap up their five-game outing on Saturday against Central Michigan. To view ISU's full schedule, visit GoRedbirds.com. Game times, dates, opponents and locations are subject to change.
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.
