| ISU softball dismantles 2009 D-II champs 12-0 |
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| Written by Scott Gleeson, Daily Vidette Sports Editor |
| Thursday, 24 September 2009 20:33 |
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Just six miles separate Illinois State’s campus and Heartland Community College’s campus. Wednesday night, the ISU softball team helped reiterate just how far away the Hawks are from the Redbirds when it comes to college softball. The ‘Birds toppled the 2009 NJCAA Division II National Champions at Marian Kneer Stadium in a 12-0 shutout victory Wednesday. The fall win progressed ISU’s record to 4-0 after defeating Iowa in a doubleheader and another junior college foe, Lake Land, earlier in the month. Abby Olson and Emma Clark supplied the offense with a home run and double each, combining to drive in eight of the Redbirds’ 12 runs. “We definitely had a lot of quality at-bats,” ISU head coach Melinda Fischer said. “We had some that went right to Heartland, but they were still crisp at-bats, which was good to see. “I thought everyone who came into the game did what we needed them to do.” Megan Warner got the start on the mound, hurling five innings and surrendering just one hit. Jordan Birch relieved for the last two innings in the circle to secure the win. Olson wasted no time letting the visiting Hawks know the power of the Redbirds’ bats, blasting a three-run home run over the center field fence in the first inning. Clark’s two-run home run in the fifth inning helped ISU gain a 6-0 cushion before ISU unleashed six more runs in the sixth inning. “I thought we started off strong in that first inning,” Fischer said. “I think Abby’s home run gave the team a lot of confidence both offensively and defensively.” The Redbirds will conclude their fall season against premiere competition Oct. 3-4 as the team hosts the State Farm Illinois Collegiate Softball Championship at Champion Field in Normal. |
