McLean County Times

Illinois State University's women's basketball team started its 2025-26 season with an 87-76 win over Dayton at Doug Collins Court in Redbird Arena on Monday. The Redbirds gained control in the third quarter, outscoring Dayton by 11 points to secure their fourth consecutive season-opening victory and sixth in the last seven years.

The game began with Illinois State quickly building a 9-1 lead. Dayton responded with a run to take a brief advantage, but Illinois State finished the first quarter ahead, 18-15. In the second quarter, freshman Jaeden Pratt’s three-pointer sparked a 13-2 run for the Redbirds, who built their largest lead of the half before Dayton closed the gap to make it 41-38 at halftime.

Illinois State dominated the third quarter by making eight consecutive field goals and going on a decisive 15-2 run. This gave them a 63-49 lead with just over two minutes left in the period. Dayton struggled offensively during this stretch and did not make a field goal for more than four minutes as Illinois State entered the final quarter up by 14 points.

The Redbirds extended their lead to as much as 22 points late in the game. Although Dayton managed an 8-0 run near the end, Illinois State held on for an 87-76 win.

"The Redbirds are now 6-3 in season openers under head coach Kristen Gillespie, have won four-straight openers and six out of last seven season openers overall."

Illinois State recorded assists on most of its baskets and had a significant rebounding edge over Dayton due to strong offensive rebounding.

"ISU had 24 assists on 35 made field goals, and out-rebounded Dayton 40-27 thanks to 18 offensive boards."

Four players scored at least ten points for Illinois State. Doneelah Washington led all scorers with a career-high performance.

"Four Redbirds scored in double figures, led by Doneelah Washington's career-high 21 points on a perfect 8-for-8 night from the field which also included a 2-for-2 effort from behind the three-point line … she would finish with nine rebounds to just miss out on a double-double in the season opener."

Trista Fayta contributed both scoring and playmaking.

"Fayta did achieve the season-opening double-double as she scored a career-high 19 points and dished out a career-best 10 assists to record the first double-double of her career at ISU."

Addison Martin added scoring and rebounding support while Jaeden Pratt made an impact in her first start.

"Addison Martin also scored 20 points for the Redbirds while grabbing five rebounds, and Pratt was the final Redbird to score in double figures with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists in her first career starting assignment."

Next, Illinois State will travel east along I-74 to face Illinois at noon Sunday at Champaign's State Farm Center.