Redbirds advance to program’s first-ever WNIT Championship

Image from Illinois State women’s basketball

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Redbirds defeated the South Dakota Coyotes 67–60 on Wednesday night to punch their ticket to the WNIT Championship game for the first time in program history.

Leading the way for the Redbirds was sophomore forward Doneelah Washington, who recorded a game-high 21 points along with 11 rebounds, securing a double-double.

Illinois State saw a balanced offensive performance, with four players finishing in double figures. Sophomore guard Trista Fayta added 14 points, while senior forward Addison Martin also contributed 14. Senior guard Bella Finnegan chipped in 10 points off the bench.

Up next for the Redbirds is the WNIT Championship game, as they travel to Huntington, West Virginia to take on Marshall.

Marshall has a 27–9 record this season and is led by senior guard Taniya Lewis-Eutsey, who is averaging around 20 points per game. Marshall also has two players averaging double figures, with freshman guard Olivia Olson contributing 13 points per game.

The Redbirds will be playing in their first WNIT Championship game for the first time in program history. The championship game will be played on Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m. CT.

For all things Redbird women’s basektball, stay tuned to wznd.com.