McLean County Times

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbirds achieved a significant victory against Valparaiso University Beacons with a decisive 10-0 win in the opening game of their three-game series. This triumph improves the Redbirds' conference record to 8-7 and their overall standing to 14-26.

Key player Bella Wilkerson made an impressive contribution by going 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Kaili Chval also added two RBIs. Delainey Bryant reached base for the 24th consecutive game, placing her second nationally in this category. The team managed to accumulate ten hits during the game, leading to their run rule victory.

The offensive performance was marked by several standout moments: Bella Wilkerson delivered three hits including a double and drove in three runs; Abby Knight contributed two hits, one RBI, and scored once; Jayden Standish had one hit and scored twice; Kaili Chval added another hit along with two RBIs; Adisyn Hopkins recorded a hit, an RBI, and scored once; Abby Horton secured a hit and scored twice.

Hannah Meshnick pitched five innings allowing only three hits while striking out three batters.

Abby Knight's single up the middle started the offense for the Redbirds, extending her hitting streak to eight games. The Redbirds widened their lead during the second and third innings by scoring four runs—three of them coming with two outs.

In the fourth inning, they scored six more runs on four hits alongside two errors from Valpo. Abby Horton initiated this rally with a single followed by a steal of second base before being driven home by Knight. Adisyn Hopkins added another run before Wilkerson's single brought in two more runners. A wild pitch later allowed Ella Boyer to score the final run of this explosive inning.

Valpo threatened briefly in the fifth inning by loading bases but failed to capitalize as they ended with no score after flying out center field resulting in Illinois State’s largest winning margin within Valley play this season.

Next up for Illinois State is another match against Valpo tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., concluding on Sunday at noon.

For continuous updates regarding Illinois State Softball activities or related events follow them on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB), Instagram (@redbirdsoftball) or Facebook (Illinois State Redbird Softball). Further information can be accessed through GoRedbirds.com or using their official app which offers tickets along with other multimedia resources like photos etcetera concerning sports programs offered under Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts scheme among others services provided therein as well such like merchandise options too available here also!