Redbirds Open Season With Team Win Over Dayton

NORMAL, Ill.- Illinois State women’s basketball tipped off its 2025-26 season Monday night against Dayton at CEFCU Arena.

The Redbirds had four players finish in double figures. Sophomore forward Doneelah Washington led the way with 21 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting night. Senior Addison Martin added 20 points, while sophomore point guard Trista Fayta filled the stat sheet with 19 points and 10 assists, earning a double-double in the season opener.

Freshman guard Jaden Praft also made an impact in her debut, scoring 10 points for the Redbirds.

Head coach Kristen Gillespie praised her team’s unselfish play, saying, “Any time you get 14 like-minded individuals in a room who all care about winning and playing the game the right way — and don’t have a personal agenda — I think really positive things can happen.”

One player who played unselfishly all night was Fayta, who made just her second career start Monday. Fayta spoke on her strong performance, saying, “I think just the confidence — some people were nervous in the first half, obviously it’s the first game — but I think us just coming together and being like, ‘You got it, shoot again. We’re not making them, but keep shooting.’”

It was an overall team win for the Redbirds and a great way to start the 2025-26 season. The Redbirds will be back in action Sunday to play Big Ten opponent Illinois in Champaign at State Farm Center. Tipoff is set for noon.

For more Redbird Women’s Basketball, be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com.