NORMAL (HOI) -- Illinois State softball head coach Melinda Fischer has a lengthy resume, which includes 35 years with the Redbirds and more than 1,000 wins. Her team has been off to a torrid start this year, a start so good that it's actually the best start to a season in her career as the head coach.
Whether at the plate, in the pitcher's circle, in the field, on the bases, the Redbirds have been locked in, playing with tons of confidence.
"Everybody just has that intense competitive type of energy. Everybody just enjoys being there and that's what really makes it fun, is when everybody shares that same passion for what you're doing," said Emme Olson, Illinois State junior utility player.
An intensity that's translated to a 27-6 overall record and 13-2 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play after a two-game sweep of Evansville on Sunday.
"It's fun, it's fun to win, that's what you want to do, you want to go out every day and win a ball game. Every day we step on that field it doesn't matter who we're playing, we're going to compete," said Fischer.
This year's team is led by two of the best players in the conference. Normal Community standout Mack Leonard has turned into one of the most feared hitters in the Missouri Valley, hitting over .420 with 9 homeruns, 33 RBI, and 31 runs scored. While also becoming a standout pitcher, compiling a 10-2 record with a 2.05 ERA and 68 strikeouts.
"Even though I'm doing pretty well right now I'd say, I'm still not happy with it. I think if I get to a point where I'm complacent with how I'm playing I'll start to plateau and I never want to do that," explained Leonard.
Leonard's running mate in the pitcher's circle is senior Morgan Day, who has been the definition of an ace this season. Day sports a 16-4 record with a sparkling 1.57 ERA and 202 strikeouts.
"I am one of the most competitive people I know and I'm confident in what I do. I'm so passionate about the sport of softball, I love every aspect of the game. I'm in full trust in my preparation and my hard work," said Day.
While this year's team is off to a historic start, they're more focused on what's ahead.
"My goal is to first of all go ring chasing, get a ring here and there and then make a run for it as long as we can in the postseason, we're already having a great year, why not keep that going?," said Leonard.
The Redbirds get back on the field Tuesday, playing a single game at Bradley. The team is schedule to conclude its regular season on May 8th at Valparaiso before beginning postseason play.
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April 26, 2021 at 12:09PM
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Redbirds softball off continues its historic start to the season - HOI ABC
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