VALPARAISO, Ind. – Illinois State headed to the Valpo Softball Complex on Sunday looking for its first series sweep in Missouri Valley Conference play and thanks to Hannah Meshnick got it, as the junior allowed just two hits in a complete game 5-1 victory for the Redbirds (16-25, 9-7 MVC) over Valparaiso (17-21, 6-11 MVC) to secure the sweep.

The Redbirds have now won five straight contests and eight of their last 10 overall, while moving two games over .500 in league play. They have now earned series victories in MVC play over Bradley, UIC and Valpo.

BIRDS BITS (vs. Valpo)

Offensive Highlights: 
Abby Knight: 3-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI
Hopkins: 2-for-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI
Julia Larson: 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI
Tatum Wolford: 1-for-4, 1 RBI
Bella Atkinson: 2-for-3, 1 R, 1 2B

Pitching Breakdown:
Hannah Meshnick (W, 8-10): 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Redbirds wasted little time in jumping out to a lead, as they plated two runs in the top of the first inning to take the early advantage. Wolford drove in the first run of the game, as she plated Knight from third on an RBI single. Larson then picked up an RBI single to score Hopkins for the second run of the frame. ISU would add two more in the top of the second inning to make the score 4-0, thanks to an RBI single by Knight and a run scored by Delainey Bryant on a fielding error by at first base by Valpo. 

The score would stay that way until the fifth, thanks to Meshnick who did not allow a baserunner through the first four innings of the contest. A home run to left field off the bat of Hopkins in the top of the fifth inning would make the score 5-0 in favor of the Redbirds, however Meshnick perfect game attempt was thwarted in the bottom of the fifth on a single to lead things off for the Beacons. Meshnick settled back down until the seventh, when the Beacons picked up their lone run of the game on a home run by Gallagher to bring the score to its final at 5-1. Meshnick finished the game allowing just two hits while striking out a career-high eight batters.

ON DECK
The Redbirds return home this week to Marian Kneer Stadium, as they host Missouri State for a three-game series beginning on Thursday at 5 p.m. 

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