The Illinois State Redbirds softball team began the Make It Happen Games in Madeira Beach, Florida, with a split result on Friday. The Redbirds secured a 3-2 win over Colgate before falling to Bowling Green 13-4 in five innings at R.O.C. Park.
Timely hits and a complete game from pitcher Paige McLeod led Illinois State to victory against Colgate. McLeod pitched all seven innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits and striking out four batters. Offensively, Ella Boyer went 2-for-3 with one RBI, Bella Atkinson contributed a home run and two RBIs, and Hannah Meeks added a hit and a walk.
The Redbirds took an early lead when Tatum Wolford singled and Atkinson hit her second home run of the season. In the fourth inning, Colgate loaded the bases with no outs but managed only two runs as McLeod limited the damage. Boyer’s RBI single in the bottom half gave Illinois State the decisive edge.
In their second game of the day, Bowling Green scored eight runs in the first inning and three more in the second to take control early. The Falcons added two more in the fifth to end the game by run rule. For Illinois State, Morgan Calhoun went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs, while Atkinson recorded another multi-hit game with an RBI double.
Pitching struggles affected Illinois State against Bowling Green. Starter Hannah Meshnick was charged with eight runs—four earned—in less than an inning of work. Gracelyn Kemp and Hannah Meeks also saw time on the mound.
Despite trailing 11-0 after two innings, Illinois State rallied for four runs in the fifth. Paige Rummans doubled to right field before Wolford walked to set up Atkinson’s RBI single and Calhoun’s three-run home run. However, Bowling Green responded with a two-run homer to close out the game.
Illinois State is scheduled to play UAlbany at 9 a.m. CT and Siena at 11:30 a.m. CT on Saturday.
The Redbirds compete in NCAA Division I events across various regions according to their official website. The athletics program is linked to Illinois State University and offers resources such as news, schedules, rosters, and fan information online here. Student-athletes benefit from facilities like the OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center for preparation and support, as well as initiatives like the Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund that help boost competitiveness and recruitment for teams including softball.
