Redbirds Advance to MVC Tournament Semifinals

NORMAL, Ill. –  The Redbirds earned the 3-2 victory over Bradley in today's quarterfinal, en route to the MVC tournament semifinals. The 'Birds move to the semifinals to take on the MVC regular season champions and the reigning tournament champions, the Southern Illinois Salukis.

The Redbirds had 7 hits in the game, and plated their three runs off the bats of Delainey Bryant and Abby Knight. Bryant led off the game with a solo shot over the left field wall, while Knight sent a two-run blast to right center. The first inning runs would be enough to propel the 'Birds to the 3-2 victory over their I-74 rivals.

'BIRD BITS

Offensive Highlights:

• Delainey Bryant: 2-for-3, HR, RBI
• Abby Knight: 1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI
• Jayden Standish: 1-for-3
• Adisyn Hopkins: 1-for-3
• Bella Wilkerson: 1-for-3
• Addison Masching: 1-for-3

Pitching Breakdown:

• Paige McLeod: (W, 16-9) 7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 28 BF

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Redbirds jumped on the Braves swiftly, plating three runs in the top of the first inning, coming on home runs from both Delainey Bryant and Abby Knight. Kaili Chval earned a walk between the two, and scored on the two-run homer from Knight.

In the top of the second, the Braves earned two back, to leave the 'Birds ahead by one. Paige McLeod  then worked to throw four shutout innings after the Braves got on the board. Of the two runs for Bradley, neither were recorded as earned.

After five scoreless innings between the two teams, the Redbirds were able to secure the one-run victory, which moves them to 23-30 on the season. The 'Birds will face Southern for the first time since 2023, when the Salukis knocked them out of the tournament.

UP NEXT

The Redbirds have secured a spot in tomorrow's semifinal matchup against the regular season MVC champions, Southern Illinois. The game will be at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, May 10, to determines who will earn a spot in the championship finale.

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

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