Redbirds to Close Regular Season at Bradley

ON DECK

This weekend, the Redbirds will close the regular season against in-state and conference rival Bradley.  Friday's doubleheader is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. CT, with Saturday's series finale slated for 2 p.m. CT at Petersen Hotels Field. All three games will be streamed live on ESPN+. The Redbirds lead the all-time series over the Braves, 84-27, and have won the last 10 matchups.

LAST TIME OUT

Illinois State dropped all three games to the Murray State Racers this past weekend to close out the Redbirds' home slate. It marked the first series sweep of the Redbirds this season.

REGGIE'S FOTY

During Illinois State Athletics' annual Reggie Awards on Wednesday night, Morgan Calhoun was named the Female Freshman Athlete of the Year. Calhoun is currently batting .357 this season with 50 hits, including 16 extra base hits, and 32 RBIs.

SENIOR DAY

Following Saturday's doubleheader against the Racers, Illinois State honored its five seniors, who have exemplified what it means to be a Redbird on and off the field: student manager Kendall Kedziora, infielder Bella Atkinson, catcher Bailah Bognar, infielder and pitcher Hannah Meeks and pitcher Hannah Meshnick.

IN THE VALLEY

With just one conference series remaining in the regular season, Illinois State aims to finish strong and earn one of the six spots in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament hosted by Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Ill., from May 6-9.

• The Redbirds currently sit in fifth in the conference with a 14-11 record.

• The Redbirds hold a 6-9 mark against the top six teams in the conference.

• Illinois State leads the MVC with 81 doubles and 19 double plays turned, while ranking in the top three in scoring, fielding percentage and RBIs and home runs per game.

• Junior pitcher Paige McLeod boasts an 11-2 record in the Valley with six complete games and two shutouts.

• Bella Atkinson ranks fifth in the MVC with a .390 batting average.

LARSON FINDS A WAY ON

Julia Larson caught fire at the plate over the last month, posting a 16-game hit streak and 23-game reached base streak.

• Larson is one of 12 players in the nation to have at least one hit in 16 consecutive games and one of 23 players to have reached base in 23 straight games this season.