The Illinois State track & field team wrapped up action from day one of the Joe Walker Invitational Friday evening at Prefontaine Stadium.

It was a chilly night in Des Moines for the series opener between Illinois State and Drake, which was delayed an hour due to rain in the area earlier in the day. Unfortunately for the Redbirds (11-24, 5-6 MVC), the Bulldogs (12-20, 4-6 MVC) scored in three-straight innings to pick up a 4-1 win over the Redbirds at Ron Buel Field.

Illinois State gymnastics seniors Jaye Mack, Sara Wabi and Alana Laster represented the Redbird program Friday on a national stage, as the Redbird trio competed against some of the best collegiate gymnasts in the country at the 2025 NCAA Washington Regional Championships at Alaska Airlines Arena.