February 14, 2025
ILLINOIS STATE 5, INDIANA 6
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico - Indiana’s five run fifth is just enough to hold off Illinois State’s comeback efforts.
Taylor Hess and Hannah Meeks both dominated early, keeping this game scoreless through two.
The Redbirds got on the board first in the 3rd, with an Abby Knight single to left field, which was misplayed, scoring two. Knight was credited with one RBI and the other scored unearned.
The Hoosiers finally broke through in the 5th, in a big way. Alex Cooper got the scoring started with a single to left, scoring Cassidy Kettleman. Melina Wilkinson, then, cleared the bases, scoring two, with a double down the rightfield line. Taylor Minnick hit in another pair of Hoosiers with a single up the middle, extending the Indiana lead to 5-2.
Indiana widened the gap in the 6th with an RBI single from Madalyn Strader.
The Redbirds, however, refused to go down easy in the 7th. Starting the inning with a single and walk, setting the table for Delainey Bryant to drive in Ella Boyer. Knight cut the Hoosier lead to two after an infield single to second. Wilkerson grounded out to 3rd base, productively, scoring Bryant to make the Hoosier lead only on run.
Brianna Copeland shut the door after handling a 2 out comebacker.
Copeland earned with win after coming into the game midway through the 3rd inning. She ended her day with 5 innings, allowing 2 earned runs, while striking out five.
Indiana has a quick turnaround, playing Boise State at 7:00PM EST. Illinois State plays next against North Dakota State at 11:00AM EST on Saturday.