Redbird Softball Falls to Missouri State, 5-1, in MVC Semifinals

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A three-run third inning for Missouri State (26-18, 18-7 MVC) was the difference maker in the game as the Bears took the lead and never looked back, Illinois State (24-28, 12-13 MVC) falling 5-1 in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

BIRD BITS

Offensive Highlights:

• Dayna Kennedy: 3-for-3, RBI
• Abby Knight: 2-for-3, 2B, R
• Rebecca Moffett: 1-for-3
• Emme Olson: 1-for-4, 2B

Pitching Breakdown:

• Amanda Fox: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO
• Hannah Ross: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO

HOW IT HAPPENED

• It was another leadoff hit for Illinois State in the top of the first, as Emme Olson dropped a double into left field to collect her 16^thof the season, which places her in the top five in program history in single season doubles.
• A leadoff single for the Bears was erased as the runner left first base early, and then Amanda Fox got a fly out and pop up to end the first. 
• The basepaths were busy for the Redbirds in the top of the second as Dayna Kennedy laid down a perfect bunt for a single and Rebecca Moffett followed up with an infield single. Both Kennedy and Moffett were left stranded. 
• Fox gave up a leadoff walk in the bottom half of the second, but a pop up and a pair of strikeouts erased the runner, and it was still scoreless through two. 
• Another runner graced the basepaths for Illinois State in the top of the third as Kaili Chval got hit by a pitch, but nothing came of it. 
• Missouri State took the lead in the bottom of the third on a two-out three-run home run from Olivia Krehbiel, and a walk to Alex Boze forced Illinois State to make a change in the circle. Hannah Ross entered in relief of Fox, and got a groundout to end the inning. 
• A pair of leadoff singles from Abby Knight and Kennedy in the fourth put two more on for the Redbirds, but again, Illinois State was unable to plate some runs. 
• Missouri State added to its lead in the bottom of the fifth as the pitcher, Steffany Dickerson, helped her own case by hitting a two-RBI single to left field. The Bears were up 5-0 after five complete. 
• Illinois State scored its lone run in the top of the sixth as Knight collected her second hit of the day, a double to center field. With Knight on second, Kennedy hit her third single of the day, this one through the left side, and Knight scored. 
• The Redbirds went down in order in the top of the seventh to end the game, Missouri State taking the 5-1 victory over Illinois State. 

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