Illinois State softball lost the series decider to Belmont, 5-4, in eight innings on Saturday, Apr. 18 at E.S. Rose Park.
The result places the Redbirds at a 25-15 overall record and a 14-8 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play. The game was closely contested and extended into extra innings for the second consecutive day for Illinois State.
Hannah Meeks led offensively with three hits, including a home run and a double, along with one run batted in and one run scored. Julia Larson contributed two hits and an RBI, while Lauren Flowers added an RBI double. On the mound, Hannah Meshnick pitched seven and two-thirds innings but took the loss after allowing five runs—four of them earned—on nine hits.
The Redbirds started strong when Meeks hit a solo home run in the second inning. They extended their lead after Bella Atkinson walked and scored on Flowers’ double in the fourth inning. However, Belmont responded by scoring four runs during their half of the fourth through singles, a double, and taking advantage of a passed ball.
Illinois State rallied late; Larson’s single brought Ella Boyer home before Larson tied it up herself on another passed ball in the seventh inning. The Bruins threatened to end it but Meshnick forced a line out to send it into extra innings. In the eighth frame, Meeks doubled but was left stranded as Belmont secured victory with an RBI single.
According to the official website, Illinois State Redbirds benefits from resources like the Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund aimed at supporting competitiveness and recruitment efforts. The team also utilizes facilities such as OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center for student-athlete preparation according to its official site. The program is linked with Illinois State University according to its official website and competes across NCAA Division I events nationally as reported by its website.
Looking ahead, Illinois State will host Murray State next weekend at Melinda Fischer Field at Marian Kneer Stadium for their final home series of the season. Senior recognition is scheduled following Saturday’s game.
