Illinois State University announced on April 1 that the Redbirds softball team will host Valparaiso for a conference doubleheader at Marian Kneer Stadium, with the first game scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Central Time. Both games will be available for streaming on ESPN+. The Redbirds currently lead the all-time series against Valparaiso, having won 22 of their previous matchups and are on a 19-game winning streak against the Beacons.
This matchup is significant as it continues Illinois State’s strong performance this season and highlights recent achievements by individual players. Most recently, Illinois State defeated Illinois, a Big Ten opponent, with an 8-4 victory at Eichelberger Field. This marked their second win over a Power Four program this year and their first win over a Big Ten team this season.
Freshman Ava Boyer set a new program record by hitting three doubles in one game against Illinois, tying her for the most doubles in a single NCAA game this season. Boyer achieved four hits in four at-bats during that game, including an RBI and three runs scored. She became only the second Redbird player to record four hits in one game this year.
Senior Hannah Meshnick earned her fifth save of the season during relief pitching against Illinois. Her five saves are now tied for fourth-most nationally and represent the second-highest total in school history for a single season. Meshnick also holds the career saves record at Illinois State with twelve.
A special event is planned as part of upcoming home games: On April 11, before another doubleheader versus Indiana State, Illinois State Athletics will dedicate its softball field inside Marian Kneer Stadium as Melinda Fischer Field to honor former head coach Melinda Fischer’s Hall of Fame career.
The university’s athletic programs benefit from resources such as the Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund which supports competitiveness and recruitment according to the official website. The athletics department is connected with Illinois State University according to the official website and competes in NCAA Division I events across various regions according to the official website. Student-athletes utilize facilities like OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center for preparation according to the official website. Fans can access news updates, schedules, rosters and other resources through GoRedbirds.com according to the official website.
