Redbirds Drop Two at Littlewood Classic

TEMPE, Ariz. –  The Redbirds finished day one of the Littlewood Classic dropping two contests against BYU (6-2) and Arizona State (4-3).

The Redbirds fell in mercy-rule fashion in both games to open the tournament in Tempe, Ariz. Freshman, Julia Larson, earned her first-career hit in her leadoff debut for the 'Birds, while junior, Annie Volkers, took the mound for the first time this season.

Against BYU, Kaili Chval and Larson combined for the Redbirds only two hits of the ball game, while the lone hit came from Delainey Bryant in the matchup against the Sun Devils.

BIRD BITS (Game 1 vs BYU)

Offensive Highlights:

• Kaili Chval: 1-for-1, single
• Julia Larson: 1-for-1, 1 single

Pitching Breakdown:

• Hannah Meshnick: (0-4) 1.2 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, 7 ER, 14 BF
• Annie Volkers: (0-0) 0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 ER, 6 BF
• Paige McLeod: (0-0) 2.2 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 0 ER, 12 BF

HOW IT HAPPENED

After a scoreless first inning for both teams, the Cougars bats exploded as they put up seven runs in the second. BYU tacked on two more in the top of the third, before the 'Birds shut them down in the fourth.

Chval earned the first hit of the day for the Redbirds on a no-out double to left center, which broke up the four inning no-hitter. An inning later in the fifth, Larson earned her first career-hit as a Redbird, with her own single up the middle, but was stranded, which completed the five-inning loss.

NOTES

• Julia Larson earned her first-career hit as a Redbird
• Kaili Chval had her second double of the season, the 17^th in her career

BIRD BITS (Game 2 at ASU)

Offensive Highlights:

• Delainey Bryant: 1-for-3, single

Pitching Breakdown:

• Hannah Meeks: (0-3) 3.0 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1K, 17 BF
• Paige McLeod: (0-0) 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BF

HOW IT HAPPENED

Arizona State's offense overpowered the Redbird staff as the Sun Devils put up eight runs in the victory over the 'Birds. The Sun Devils scored consistently throughout the game, putting up two in the first and third, one in the second, and three in the fourth to take the eventual run-rule victory.

Bryant was the only Redbird to record a hit in the game, sending a single back up the middle to start the first inning. Although other 'Birds put the ball in play, the Sun Devils were able to keep them hitless throughout the next four innings.

ON DECK

Illinois State will travel to Phoenix, Ariz. Saturday, Feb. 17 for the second day of the Littlewood Classic to play at Grand Canyon University. The Redbirds will take on Cal at 2:15 p.m. CT before matching up with the host team, GCU at 7:30 p.m. CT. The 'Birds will be back in Tempe, Ariz. for the final day of the Littlewood Classic on Sunday, Feb.18.

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