Illinois State University's softball team concluded the 2024 regular season with a conference record of 16-11, securing the third seed and a first-day bye in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament. The tournament will take place in Normal from May 8 to May 11.
The Redbirds are set to compete against the winner of the match between fifth-seeded Bradley and twelfth-seeded Valparaiso. Illinois State had previously swept both teams during their regular-season encounters.
The tournament schedule includes several games, beginning on Wednesday, May 8, with Murray State facing UIC at 9:00 a.m., followed by Valparaiso against Bradley at 11:30 a.m. Additional matches include Evansville versus Drake at 2:00 p.m., and Indiana State taking on Missouri State at 4:30 p.m. On Thursday, May 9, winners from these games will face top-seeded Southern Illinois, fourth-seeded Illinois State, second-seeded UNI, and third-seeded Belmont in subsequent matches.
In preparation for their potential opponents, Illinois State reflects on past performances against Bradley and Valparaiso. The Redbirds secured victories over Bradley in all three games during the regular season. Their matches included a doubleheader win in Normal and another victory in Peoria. Against Valparaiso, Illinois State achieved wins in all three games held in Normal.
Paige McLeod has been recognized for her outstanding performance by earning her second-career MVC Player of the Week honors as both newcomer and pitcher of the week. Her achievements include pitching a no-hitter against Evansville—the first at Marian Kneer Stadium in over two decades—and maintaining an impressive ERA over the weekend.
Additionally, five Illinois State players have been named to All-MVC teams. Bella Wilkerson, Delainey Bryant, and Adisyn Hopkins received First Team selections; Paige McLeod and Addison Masching were honored with Second Team selections; Jayden Standish was named to the MVC All-Defensive team for a second consecutive year.
For more updates on Illinois State Softball, fans can follow their social media accounts or visit GoRedbirds.com.
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