The Illinois State softball team is coming off a successful tournament at the University of South Florida leaving with a 3-1 record. ISU defeated Maine 5-4 and Long Island 9-0 on Friday. On Saturday the Redbirds lost to, now No. 1 ranked, Florida 11-0 and bounced back and flip-flopped the score against Florida Gulf Coast to win 11-0.

The Missouri Valley Conference pitcher of the week, Jordan Birch, went 3-0 on the trip and was able to fan 20 batters in the process. Birch came into the game late against Maine  and had a rare relief appearance where she picked up a win. She then pitched  shutouts against Long Island and Florida Gulf Coast. In Birch’s two starts she only allowed 3 hits.

The Redbirds will head to Tempe,  Arizona this weekend to compete in the Littlewood Classic. There will be some tough competition in this tournament. ISU will face the likes of Iowa State, Iowa and, the No. 5 ranked, Arizona State.

ISU’s first game is Friday Feb. 17, against Iowa State starting at 12:05 p.m..