4.12.18

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V THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018 Vol. 130 / No. 55

videtteonline.com

NEWS 5

‘TRUTH OR DARE’ STARS TALK FILM WITH VIDETTE

NEWS 3

LOS ANGELES TIMES EDITOR JIM KIRK RETURNS TO ISU

THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL

Hitting it out of the park

Spence shines for ISU softball STORY BY JONATHAN BARLAS | Features and Sports Reporter | @janveselybarlas

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s Illinois State softball continues its rollercoaster ride of a season, better days are surely in sight. While ISU has sporadically struggled this season, marking a 14-23 record as of Sunday, impact players such as infielder Allison Spence lead the charge for the Redbirds’ faithful turnaround. Being selected to the National Invitational Softball Championship All-Tournament Team, a 2017 Missouri Valley Conference First Team All-Conference player and current single-season record holder for putouts (527), Spence’s remarkable 2017 season has bled into 2018. Leading the ‘Birds in batting average (.314), slugging percentage (.457), hits (33) and runs Infielder Allison Spence records one of her four hits during a weekend series against Indiana State.

batted in (23), Spence seems to embody the winning culture noted by the MVC preseason polls. While the Redbirds were predicted to finish at the top of conference play, their current record says otherwise, as Spence continues to strive to prove they are the team to beat in the Valley. “The pre-season rank definitely has pushed us to work hard day in and day out,” Spence said. “To return back to regionals [and] winning the conference tournament is our ultimate goal.” As a three-year varsity player for head coach Kerri Evans at Marian Catholic High School, Spence’s road to Division 1 softball was almost always in her cards. With an AllConference nomination, three-time All-Area selections, 2014 Illinois Times All-Area MVP

and 2014 Second Team All-State selection, Spence’s gifted talent for the game she loves was almost undeniable. While Spence holds the game close to her heart, she holds certain people closer. Starting softball around 4-years-old, Spence says her parents and former coaches have prepared her to play and play well at the Division 1 level. “My biggest inspiration is my parents, Spence said. “They have done everything for my brothers and I, and have worked so hard while doing it. I also had great coaches and teammates along with playing tough competition throughout both club and high school ball that really prepared me.” see SPENCE page 7

Photo courtesy Dennis Banks | Illinois State Athletics


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