2024-02-21 23:28:17
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NORMAL, Ill. – With two preseason tournaments under their belt, Redbird softball travels to Fayetteville, Ark. to the University of Arkansas Razorback Invitational tournament, which is both a tournament and a school the ‘Birds have yet to take on. Illinois State will take on Arkansas for the first time in program history. The Redbirds will have contests once morest the host team, No. 14 Arkansas (8-2) as well as UT Arlington (3-7) and former Valley foe, Wichita State (3-2).
The Redbirds will begin the tournament Thursday, Feb. 22, in Fayetteville, taking on No. 14 Arkansas at 4:00 p.m. CT. On Friday, Feb. 23, the ‘Birds will begin the day with a contest once morest UT Arlington at 10:00 a.m. CT with another game once morest Wichita State to follow at 12:30 p.m. CT. Day three of the tournament on Saturday, Feb. 24, will consist of a rematch once morest the Mavericks at 10 a.m. CT with another game once morest the Razorbacks at 3:00 p.m. CT. The Redbirds will round out the invitational on Sunday, Feb. 25, with a single game once morest Wichita State at 10:00 a.m. CT.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Thursday, Feb. 22 – Illinois State at No.14 Arkansas – 4:00 p.m. CT
Friday, Feb. 23 – Illinois State vs. UT Arlington – 10:00 a.m. CT
Friday, Feb. 23 – Illinois State vs. Wichita State– 12:30 p.m. CT
Saturday, Feb. 24 – Illinois State vs. UT Arlington– 10:00 a.m. CT
Saturday, Feb. 24 – Illinois State at No.14 Arkansas – 3:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, Feb. 25 – Illinois State vs. Wichita State – 10:00 a.m. CT
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
In 2023, Arkansas had an overall record of 40-19 and a conference record in the SEC of 14-10. The Razorbacks lost in the first round of the SEC tournament to Alabama, 3-2, but received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament and a first round regional hosting spot. In the regional, Arkansas picked up wins over Harvard and Notre Dame, but was eliminated with two losses to Oregon.
UT Arlington went 22-33 in 2023, with an 11-13 conference record. The Mavericks earned a win in the first round of the WAC tournament over Sam Houston, but fell in back-to-back elimination games once morest Stephen F. Austin and the #1 seed in the tournament, Utah Tech.
Wichita State had an impressive overall winning record of 44-12 in 2023, only losing two games in conference and earning 16 wins. In the AAC, the Shockers lost in the first round to Tulsa, in a one-run game over eight innings. Wichita State earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and found themselves in the Stillwater regional, defeating Nebraska in the first game, but in falling back-to-back games to the host, Oklahoma State, and then to Nebraska.
SERIES HISTORY
The Redbirds will take on No. 14 Arkansas for the first time in program history. Coming into the meeting, Arkansas has an 8-2 record on the 2024 season and is 4-1 in its last five games. Illinois State has made its way down to Central Arkansas, but has never faced the Razorbacks.
Illinois State leads the all-time series once morest UT Arlington, but they have not matched up in over 30 years. In their most recent game, the ‘Birds took the 8-5 victory, 32 years ago, in 1992. The two games this weekend will bring the all-time total up to seven meetings.
The Redbirds and the Shockers have faced one another a plethora of times as Wichita State was originally apart of the Missouri Valley Conference with Illinois State. In the 91 times the programs have faced one another, Illinois State leads the series 66-27. This will be the first time the ‘Birds have taken on the Shockers, since theyleft the Valley.
NEWS & NOTES
New Turf: The Redbirds will travel to Fayetteville Ark. for the first time in program history as well as taking on the host team, No.14 Arkansas.
Familiar Foe: The Redbirds will total 93 career meetings with Wichita State following the tournament, a former MVC rival.
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