Illinois State Headed to Region 3 NISC Tournament

For the first time in program history, Illinois State will serve as host to the 2017 National Invitational Softball Championship Region 3 Tournament May 16 through 18 at Marian Kneer Stadium.

Illinois State will host IUPUI, Michigan State and Murray State in a double-elimination tournament beginning on Tuesday. As regular season Missouri Valley Conference champions, the Redbirds earned an automatic bid to the tournament.

The Redbirds will begin the tournament against IUPUI at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, after Michigan State and Murray State face off at 4 p.m. to begin the day. Wednesday's game times are 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The tournament will conclude on Thursday at noon with an if-necessary game at 3 p.m.

Last week, Illinois State dropped a heartbreaking 2-0 decision to the eventual MVC Champion Southern Illinois on Friday. Annie Heineman and Sarah Finck were named to the MVC All-Tournament Team. Riley Hale owns the third-longest reached-base streak in program history at 25 games.

Area members of the Illinois State team include Teutopolis graduates Anni and Kadi Borries who are freshmen.

NISC Region 3 Tournament

Tuesday, May 16

Game 2 -- Murray State vs. Michigan State, 4 p.m.

Game 1 -- Illinois State vs. IUPUI, 7 p.m.

Wendesday, May 17

Game 3 -- Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 1 p.m.

Game 4 -- Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m.

Game 5 -- Loser Game 4 vs. Winner Game 3, 78 p.m.

Thursday, May 18

Game 6 -- Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, noon

Game 7 -- Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 3 p.m. (if necessary)