The Illinois State softball team defeated Drake, 11-3, in six innings to complete a three-game series sweep on Mar. 14 at Marian Kneer Stadium.
The victory marks the Redbirds’ third run-rule win of the season and highlights their strong offensive performance throughout the weekend. The team hit five home runs in the final game and totaled ten home runs and 26 runs across the series, according to information provided by Illinois State University.
Taylor Liebelt led the offense with a perfect four-for-four day at the plate, including a home run, two runs batted in, and three runs scored. Ava Boyer contributed with two hits—a home run and a triple—while Morgan Calhoun and Bella Atkinson each added home runs as well. Paige McLeod earned her second pitching win of the weekend, improving her season record to 9-3 after allowing just two earned runs over four innings.
Illinois State started strong with a four-run first inning featuring home runs from Boyer and Liebelt. After Drake narrowed the gap to 5–3 by scoring in the fifth and sixth innings, Illinois State responded with a six-run rally in the bottom of the sixth. Lauren Flowers sparked this outburst with a pinch-hit single before Atkinson, Calhoun, and Paige Rummans hit consecutive home runs. Flowers later capped off the inning—and ended the game—with an RBI double.
According to the official website, Illinois State Redbirds benefits from resources such as the Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund for competitiveness and recruitment. The program is linked to Illinois State University according to its official site and competes in NCAA Division I events across various regions according to its official website. Student-athletes also utilize facilities like the OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center for preparation according to its official website. Fans can find news, schedules, rosters, and other resources through official channels according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Illinois State will host Southern Illinois next weekend for another three-game conference series at Marian Kneer Stadium.
