Redbird Softball Travels to Tampa for 2023 Season Opener

NORMAL, Ill. – For the first time in 37 years, Illinois State Softball will begin its season under a new head coach as the Redbirds travel to Tampa, Fla. to open their 2023 campaign as part of the USF-Rawlings Tournament on Feb. 9-11.

Illinois State will officially begin its 2023 season with a contest on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 2:30 p.m. CT against Boston University, followed by a Friday doubleheader against Boston College at 8 a.m. CT and St. Joseph's at 10:30 a.m. CT. The Redbirds will close out their opening tournament on Saturday, Feb. 11 with contests against No. 4/5 Florida at 1 p.m. CT and the host, South Florida, at 6 p.m. CT. 

Illinois State enters the 2023 season with a wealth of experience, both in its student-athletes and coaching staff. While head coach Tina Kramos enters her first season at the helm of the program, she begins her 23^rd season overall at Illinois State, previously holding the title of Senior Associate Head Coach. Coach Kramos retains assistant/pitching coach Elaine Heflin who developed the inexperienced arms of Hannah Ross and Amanda Fox in her first season with the Redbirds in 2022. Ross and Fox combined to toss 311 of the Redbirds' 333 innings overall last season and Fox earned Second Team All-MVC honors. 

In general, Illinois State returns eight starters from the 2022 season, including fifth year senior Emme Olson who is a Preseason All-MVC selection for the second consecutive year. Ross and Fox both return to lead the Redbirds in the circle, while First Team All-MVC catcher Dayna Kennedy will resume her role behind the plate. Sophomores Delainey Bryant, Abby Knight and Addison Masching all saw a significant amount of time in 2022 and will return for their second seasons in Redbird uniforms. Team captains Kaili Chval and Jayden Standish are also seasoned players at their respective positions, outfield and third base, and will help lead the team both on and off the field.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Thursday, Feb. 9 – Illinois State vs. Boston University – 2:30 p.m. CT

Friday, Feb. 10 – Illinois State vs. Boston College – 8 a.m. CT

Friday, Feb. 10 – Illinois State vs. St. Joseph's – 10:30 a.m. CT

Saturday, Feb. 11 – Illinois State vs. No. 4/5 Florida – 1 p.m. CT

Saturday, Feb. 11 – Illinois State at South Florida – 6 p.m. CT

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS

In 2022, the Boston University Terriers were 40-17 overall with a 16-2 conference record, making them regular season Patriot League Champions. During the season, the Terriers held a 27-game win streak which was a program and conference record. 

Boston College ended its 2022 season with a 20-27 record, landing 12^th in the ACC with a 6-18 record. The Eagles season ended on a four-game losing streak. 

St. Joseph's 2022 campaign ended with an even record of 23-23 while the Hawks took third in the regular season in the Atlantic 10 with a 14-8 record. The Hawks' season ended with two losses in the conference tournament to Fordham and Dayton. Illinois State beat Dayton twice last season in a preseason tournament at Western Kentucky.

The Florida Gators enter the 2023 season ranked as the No. 4/5 team in the country after making it to Women's College World Series in 2022. The Gators opened their season on a 16-game win streak and hosted an NCAA Regional last season. Losses to Oregon State and UCLA in the WCWS ended an incredible season by Florida. 

South Florida finished its season with a 45-16 record and a 12-5 conference record to land third in the regular season in the AAC. The Bulls earned an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament, eventually losing to Florida State and Mississippi State in the Regional round to end their season. South Florida's ace, Georgina Corrick, graduated after the 2022 season after leading the country in ERA, innings pitched, shutouts, strikeouts and many other categories. 

SERIES HISTORY

Illinois State is a combined 7-0 against Boston University (4-0) and Boston College (3-0). The Redbirds last saw the Terriers on March 1, 2015, and they won 4-1. Illinois State and Boston College last saw each other on March 5, 2005, as the Redbirds beat the Eagles 8-1. That one run is the only run Boston College has scored against Illinois State in the programs' three matchups, the other two being shutouts by ISU. 

St. Joseph's and Illinois State will meet for the first time in program history. 

The Redbirds saw both Florida and South Florida in the season opening tournament in 2022. Both Florida squads hold the advantage in the all-time series record with ISU, Florida at 16-2 and USF at 14-3. The Gators beat the Redbirds 3-0 last season on Feb. 11, 2022. The Bulls beat ISU 9-2 in the 2022 season opener on Feb. 10, 2022.

NEWS & NOTES

National Recognition: Fifth-year senior Emme Olson was recognized prior to the start of the 2023 season by Extra Inning Softball as the 11th best second baseman in the nation.

Preseason Predictions: Illinois State was picked to finish fifth in the new 12-team field in the Missouri Valley Conference. UNI was selected as the preseason favorite, followed by Murray State, Southern Illinois, Missouri State and then the Redbirds. 

New Era in Redbird Softball: After 37 years at the helm of Illinois State Softball, legendary head coach Melinda Fischer announced her retirement in the fall of 2022, launching Redbird Softball into a new era in 2023 led by head coach Tina Kramos. This is Kramos' first season as a head coach and her 23rd at Illinois State. She retains second-year assistant coach Elaine Heflin who leads the Redbird pitching staff as well as assists with recruiting. Hailey Cole enters her first season as an assistant coach mainly working with hitters. Cole was a graduate assistant with ISU in 2022.

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

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