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Redbirds Begin Home Slate with Midweek Action Versus DePaul

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State softball (10-15) will open its home schedule in a midweek contest on Tuesday, March 21 against DePaul (8-13) at 1 p.m. CT at Marian Kneer Stadium. 

The Redbirds' 2023 home opener against DePaul will be their second earliest home opener in the last 10 seasons (2012-2023 – 2020 does not count because COVID-19 canceled Illinois State's home schedule). The earliest home opener for Illinois State in that span was on March 14, 2015 when the Redbirds opened their home season against Northern Iowa. 

The original schedule had the Redbirds facing the Blue Demons at 4 p.m. CT at Marian Kneer Stadium, but due to weather concerns on Tuesday evening, Illinois State moved the start time to 1 p.m. CT.

SERIES HISTORY

Illinois State and DePaul have a storied history that dates back to the 1986 season. The Blue Demons currently hold the advantage in the all-time series record 20-19-1. Last season in 2022, was the 40th meeting all-time between these two programs and the Redbirds beat DePaul on the Blue Demons' home field 9-4. This contest will be the 41st all time and could potentially even the series for Illinois State.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

DePaul currently holds an 8-13 record through the first six weeks of the 2023 season. The Blue Demons first conference series was Mar. 11-12 against Butler and DePaul got swept to be 0-3 in Big East conference play so far. DePaul holds wins over Illinois State's fellow MVC members Valparaiso and Evansville and the Blue Demons lost a close game to Southern Illinois. DePaul also participated in the Littlewood Classic in Arizona and went 0-5 against Weber State, GCU, BYU, No. 22 ASU and Portland State. 

A season ago, DePaul posted a 29-24 overall record while going 16-8 in conference to land fourth in the Big East at the conclusion of the regular season. DePaul was bested by UConn and Villanova in the Big East tournament to end its season. The Blue Demons won six of their eight conference series, sweeping Seton Hall, St. John's, and Georgetown in 2022. 

The last time these programs met, Illinois State traveled to Chicago, Ill. to face DePaul on the Blue Demon's home field in 2022. The Redbirds won 9-4 behind a complete game effort from Hannah Ross. Both teams put up crooked numbers in the first inning as Illinois State scored six in the top of the first and DePaul answered by posting four in the bottom half. 

NEWS & NOTES

Belmont Series Recap: Illinois State opened Missouri Valley Conference play at Belmont in Nashville, Tenn. The Bruins took the first game of the three-game series 4-1 as the Redbirds' offense was scarce. The second game was better for the 'Birds as Illinois State took an early lead and never let up, defeating Belmont 4-2 to even the series. Unfortunately, the rubber match that was scheduled for Sunday, Mar. 19 was canceled due to the cold temperatures in Nashville.

Hicks (Hanna) Is On Fire: Junior Hanna Hicks was 0-for-12 heading into the first weekend of conference play against Belmont in her 10 games played. Hicks entered to pinch hit in the first game of the series for Brandi LaFountaine and drew a walk. She stayed in the game to play right field and her next at-bat dropped a bloop single behind first base to drive in the Redbirds' lone run of the game. The following day, Hicks earned the start in right field and collected a multi-hit contest, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

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

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.

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Players Mentioned

Hanna Hicks

#3 Hanna Hicks

UT
5' 10"
Junior
R/R
Brandi LaFountaine

#10 Brandi LaFountaine

OF
5' 10"
Senior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Hanna Hicks

#3 Hanna Hicks

5' 10"
Junior
R/R
UT
Brandi LaFountaine

#10 Brandi LaFountaine

5' 10"
Senior
R/R
OF