Illinois State Advances To National Invitational

Illinois State needed one win on the final day of the NISC Regional at Marian Kneer Stadium on Thursday. Led by the Redbirds’ 16-hit day and two complete-games in the circle, Illinois State earned the 6-0 shutout over Michigan State in game two to advance to the NISC Championship.

The Redbirds began both games with home runs by Alyssa Wiebel and Allison Spence in games one and two, respectively. The early two-run lead in the premier game of the day was not enough, as Michigan State would walk off with the 4-3 win. However, Spence’s home run in the second matchup sparked Illinois State’s offense to put up six unanswered runs for a first career shutout victory in the circle for Ali Domkuski.

Spence, Wiebel, and Michigan State’s Ebonee Echols logged two hits apiece in game one. Jordan de los Reyes and Riley Strandgard tallied two each in the second game with Spence plating three of the Redbirds’ five runs.

The Redbirds (33-22) move on to the NISC championship round May 21 through 24 at a site yet to be determined, while the Spartans’ season comes to an end with a 34-24 record.

Teutopolis graduates Anni and Kadi Borries are members of the Illinois State team.

After winning the NISC Region 3 title, the Illinois State softball team advances to the National Invitational Softball Championship round at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia May 21 through the 24.

In addition to Illinois State, Kennesaw State, Weber State, Lamar, Cal Poly, and host, Liberty won their respective regionals to clinch spots in the inaugural championship event in Lynchburg.

As the No. 2 seed, the Redbirds earn a first-round bye and will face the winner of Cal Poly and Lamar on Monday at noon CT to begin the double-elimination tournament at Liberty’s Kamphuis Field.