Illinois State Redbirds Set to Compete at Silicon Valley Invitational
Upcoming Tournament Details
The Illinois State Redbirds are gearing up for their second tournament of the season, scheduled at the Silicon Valley Invitational held by Santa Clara University and San Jose State from February 12-15. This tournament offers the Redbirds a competitive lineup, starting on Thursday at 7 p.m. against 2025 NCAA Tournament qualifier, Santa Clara.
The team’s itinerary includes matchups against UC Santa Barbara, the 2025 Big West Champion, on Friday at 2 p.m., followed by a game against San Jose State at 7 p.m. that same day. On Saturday, the Redbirds will face Utah at 2 p.m. before concluding their tournament against the host team, San Jose State, on Sunday at noon. Notably, the Redbirds last faced San Jose State in 2014, achieving a commanding 11-3 victory. They will wrap up the tournament against California, a team that boasted a 35-18 season last year and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Strong Season Start
The Redbirds kicked off the 2026 season at the USF-Rawlings Invitational with outstanding performances, achieving a 2-0 start—their best opening since 2012. They dominated Bethune-Cookman in their opener with a 10-1 victory and followed that up by defeating the host team, South Florida, 5-1.
Fresh Faces Shine
Morgan Calhoun’s Impressive Debut
Freshman Morgan Calhoun made a notable impact in her first tournament, starting all five games at first base.
- In the opener against Bethune-Cookman, she went 2-for-4 with two doubles, four RBIs, and one run.
- Calhoun continued her strong performance against South Florida, logging another 2-for-3 outing with an RBI.
- Currently, she leads the team with a .462 batting average and a .533 on-base percentage, and is tied for first with six hits in the season.
Bella Atkinson’s Senior Season Begins Strong
Senior Bella Atkinson opened her season in remarkable fashion in Tampa, Florida.
- Against Bethune-Cookman, Atkinson recorded a 2-for-3 plate appearance, contributing a double, two RBIs, and two runs.
- She also shone against South Florida, hitting a two-run home run, marking the third of her NCAA career.
- Atkinson is leading the Redbirds with seven RBIs and 10 total bases, also tied for first with six hits in total.
Milestone for Hannah Meshnick
Senior Hannah Meshnick achieved a personal milestone by playing in her 100th career game against Bethune-Cookman.
- Meshnick had a stellar performance, allowing only one run while striking out five Wildcats over five innings.
- She also contributed at the plate, hitting her first career home run and a double, leading the Redbirds to a 10-1 win.
- She currently boasts a 3.50 ERA and a .889 slugging percentage.
Paige McLeod Delivers on the Mound
Sophomore Paige McLeod made her season debut against South Florida, pitching her 15th career complete game.
MVC Preseason Highlights
The Illinois State softball team has been ranked fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll, as determined by head coaches in the league. Notably, Hannah Meshnick received preseason All-MVC honorable mention recognition.
- Last season, Meshnick made 38 appearances and 25 starts, finishing with a 9-3 record in conference play and a 3.34 ERA.
- She struck out a total of 91 batters across 176 innings and achieved 10 complete games, highlighting her capability on the mound. In fact, she was recognized as MVC Pitcher of the Week on February 18, 2025.
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Conclusion
This season promises to be exciting for the Redbirds as they aim to build on their strong start. Stay tuned for more thrilling matchups and standout performances as the season progresses.
For tickets and more information, visit GoRedbirds.com and check out the Illinois State Redbirds app for news, multimedia, and merchandise.
