Redbirds prepare to host Indiana State

Image courtesy goredbirds.com

NORMAL, Ill.- Home opening weekend for the Illinois State Softball team is finally upon us after a weather cancellation last weekend.

If the weather holds the Redbirds will take on the Indiana State Sycamores. Senior captain, Emme Olsen expands on her emotions for opening weekend. 

“We are excited to open it up at home and have our own fans around to support us,” said Olsen.

Coming off a season where fans could not be in the bleachers, Olsen is excited to feel the energy in the stadium once again.

“All the struggles we went through the past couple of years having fans come in and be able to support us on the field and inside rather than the parking lot is a big excitement piece for everybody and to have that energy around us. I know for our parents it means so much,” she said. 

Playing at home not only brings the fans back but also the pregame home rituals.

“We all go into the softball locker room, and have the red lights turned on with the music bumping,” Olsen said. “This is what we usually do to get ready for our games. Sometimes we put Reggie tattoos on our face or eye black.”

Getting deeper into conference play, team chemistry is a necessity to be successful on the field. But after practice in the offseason and playing 25 games already this season, Olsen does not think chemistry will be an issue.

“This has to be one of my favorite teams that I have been on. I think everybody clicks so well and fits in, especially the freshman. I do not think they have had any problem settling in and feeling comfortable with us,” she said. 

Coming into this weekend Indiana State has a record above .500 with a record of 16-12. The Redbirds do not look at records and focus on their mentality going into the game.

“We control what we bring into the game and our preparation. Our motto is own the moment and I think that really simulates us playing to our level and playing our game, we do not let our record define us at all and we will just keep climbing that ladder”

Illinois State is set for home pitch of the season on Saturday at 5 p.m.