Illinois State Softball Prepares for MVC Championship Quarterfinals
DES MOINES, Iowa – Illinois State Softball, having secured a first-round bye, is set to face off against Missouri State in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Championship on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. This matchup follows Missouri State’s win over UIC, which advanced them to confront the fourth-seeded Redbirds.
The all-time series favors Illinois State (23-29, 16-11 MVC) with a 72-49 lead over Missouri State (20-32, 16-11 MVC). The Redbirds had previously triumphed in two out of three games in their earlier series this season.
Missouri State’s recent performance showcased standout freshmen, with Riley Baber and others leading a dynamic offensive display against UIC, resulting in a 7-3 victory. Pitcher McKenzie Vaughan contributed notably, earning a win with four scoreless innings.
Entering the MVC Championship, Illinois State’s solid performance included four players selected for All-MVC honors. Senior Abby Knight and Delainey Bryant made the First Team, while junior pitcher Hannah Meshnick was named to the Second Team. The Redbirds concluded the regular season with an 8-5 victory over Murray State, highlighted by Knight’s three RBIs, including the decisive run in the 11th inning.
Fans can catch the game live on ESPN+ and follow updates on social media platforms. For additional information, visit GoRedbirds.com.
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