ON DECK
Illinois State returns home to host Valparaiso in a conference doubleheader on Friday. First pitch is slated for 2 p.m. CT at Marian Kneer Stadium. Both contests will be streamed on ESPN+. The Redbirds lead the all-time series, 22-2, and have won 19 straight games against the Beacons.
LAST TIME OUT
Illinois State downed Big Ten and in-state foe Illinois, 8-4, on Tuesday at Eichelberger Field. It marked the Redbirds second victory over a Power Four program this year and the first against a Big Ten foe this season.
BOYER DOUBLES DOWN X3
Freshman Ava Boyer set the program record for doubles in a single game with three against the Fighting Illini. It is also tied for the most doubles in a single game in the NCAA this season. Boyer went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and three runs scored, marking the first four-hit game of her career and becoming the second Redbird to record four hits in a game this season.
WHEN IT'S LATE, IT'S MESHNICK
Senior Hannah Meshnick earned her fifth save this season when she entered in relief against the Fighting Illini with two outs in the sixth. Her five saves are the second-most in a single season in school history and are tied for fourth-most in the nation. Meshnick holds the program record with 12 career saves.
SAVE THE DATE
Illinois State Athletics will officially dedicate the softball field inside Marian Kneer Stadium as Melinda Fischer Field on April 11, honoring the Hall of Fame career of former Redbird head coach Melinda Fischer. The dedication ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. CT, prior to Illinois State's doubleheader against Indiana State, which is set for a 2 p.m. CT first pitch.
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