CHICAGO (April 15, 2022) -- The Loyola University Chicago softball team is back at Loyola Softball Park as it hosts the Illinois State Redbirds for a three-game series to kick off Easter weekend. These two teams will play a double header on Friday, April 15, and a single game on Saturday, April 16. 

LAST TIME OUT
The Ramblers made the trip to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to take on the Panthers of Northern Iowa. Although Loyola fought hard against the No. 1 team in the Valley, it wasn't enough to pull out a win over the weekend as they lost all three games to UNI. 

SCOUTING THE REDBIRDS
Illinois State has been on a hot streak in the conference as of late, having a strong performance to start conference with a 7-4 record. 

Amanda Fox and Hannah Ross have made the biggest impact for Illinois State's pitching staff. The pair of juniors have the lowest ERA's on the team, with Ross boasting the lowest with a 2.74. Along with that, Fox is 35th in the NCAA and first in the Valley for saves with two. 

Head Coach Melinda Fischer has been with the Redbirds since 1972 as she is in her 32nd season with Illinois State following her own playing career. 

Emme Olson is one of the key bats in the order for Illinois State. She is second in the Valley for doubles per game as she averages .32. 

Four players have heavy bats for the Redbirds. Olson, Reili Gardner, Bella Wilkerson and Delainey Bryant are all hitting above .300. Bryant leads the team in home runs with five while Olson has the most doubles with 11. 

On defense, Dana Kennedy has been the most successful for the Redbirds with her 103 putouts and .966 fielding percentage. The team has an overall .963 average in the field with only one starter managing a perfect fielding percentage.

WHEREABOUTS
The Ramblers will take on the Redbirds in a doubleheader beginning at noon on Friday and a single game beginning at noon on Saturday. Friday's games will have live stats and a live stream whereas Saturday's game will only have live stats.