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Redbirds Set to Host Drake in Key Valley Softball Series
April 25, 2008
With less than two weeks remaining in the 2008 regular season and the Redbirds currently owning a half-game lead of second place in the Missouri Valley Conference, things have gone from heating up in The Valley race to red-hot, with the Illinois State softball team (22-18 overall, 12-6 MVC) right in the thick of the race, as the Redbirds are set to play host to third-place Drake (22-20, 11-6 MVC) in a pivotal Missouri Valley Conference series at the Redbird Softball Complex Saturday and Sunday. The Redbirds and Bulldogs will first square off with a noon doubleheader Saturday, followed by the series finale at noon Sunday. For Illinois State head coach Melinda Fischer, this weekend's series against Drake is one of many big Valley series during the Redbirds' season. "Every conference weekend and every conference game is a big game," said Fischer. "Drake is having a very good conference season and is coming off of a great win over No. 25 Iowa (4-2 in 12 innings Tuesday), which is huge for that program. Drake has really improved its non-conference schedule, which has significantly helped The Valley's RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) ranking." Illinois State leads the all-time series against Drake, 47-16, which includes a 21-8 mark at home (10-1 at the Redbird Softball Complex). The Redbirds are riding a four-game winning streak against the Bulldogs, which includes a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series sweep last season. ISU last lost to Drake April 9, 2006 (1-5), and has suffered just two losses in the last 10 games of the series. After being picked to finish ninth in the preseason Missouri Valley Conference Coaches' Poll, Drake has been one of the biggest surprises in the Missouri Valley Conference this season. The Bulldogs have put together an 11-6 conference record and currently sit in third place in The Valley standings, half a game back of Illinois State. The Bulldogs have two wins this season over nationally-ranked opponents. Drake is coming off of a 4-3, 12- inning victory over No. 25 Iowa Tuesday, while the Bulldogs also upset then-No. 12 Michigan, 2-0, Feb. 22. Drake is hitting .230 as team this season, which ranks second-to-last in The Valley. The Bulldogs have barely outscored opponents, 168-160, while they are just 7-12 in road games this season. In the circle, Drake's 3.09 team ERA ranks seventh in the conference. Drake's pitching staff is led by freshman Brynne Dordel, who is 15-8 with a 1.66 ERA on the season, third-best in The Valley. Sunday's series finale will serve as Senior Day for the Redbird softball team, as seniors Tiffany Prager, Andrea Shifflet and Jennifer Brown will be honored following the game.
"Andrea has been a strong force in the outfield for us this season, especially after last season, where she was one of our main pinch runners," said Fischer. "JB (Jennifer Brown) has helped us tremendously as a backup catcher, and recently has become a good batter for us in a pinch-hitting role. And then Tiffany is the heart and soul of our team. She gives us her all every game and is a tremendous leader, both on-and-off the field."
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