The Illinois State Redbirds have struggled with consistency in recent history. Two great seasons highlighted by 30-plus wins in 2021 and 2023 are at the forefront of the Redbirds success. But two seasons of tough matches and losing records in 2022 and 2024 have also highlighted the Redbirds struggles.

Illinois State Softball also saw an early exit from the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament last year, being knocked out in its second game of the tournament to MVC No. 1-ranked Southern Illinois University.

If the Redbirds want to stay consistent this season, they must first face four teams in the 2025 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.

• Sign up to watch DI College Softball at the 2025 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge
• OSU, FSU Softball & More To Headline 2025 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge
• Tennessee, Nebraska, Utah To Headline Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic 2025

The 2025 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge hits the fields on Feb. 6-15 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with Illinois State Softball beginning play on Thursday, Feb. 13.

The Redbirds missed the 2024 Puerto Vallarta Challenge, facing five consecutive losses at the University of South Florida Tournament. While many of Illinois State Softball's matchups were close, it suffered a devastating 12-1 loss to Florida Softball in the last game of the tournament.

With a chance for redemption at a winning season, here's everything to know about Illinois State Softball as it faces the 2025 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.

How To Watch Illinois State Redbirds Softball At 2025 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge

Watch the 2025 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge on FloSoftball and the FloSports App.

FloSoftball will be streaming several other NCAA Division I College Softball tournaments, including:

• Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
• Rocket City Softball Showcase
• FAU Paradise Classic 
• FAU Joan Joyce Classic

Illinois State Softball’s Matchups For The 2025 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge

All Times Central

Thursday, Feb. 13

• 4 p.m. – BYU vs. Illinois State

Friday, Feb. 14

• 10 a.m. – Florida International vs. Illinois State
• 3 p.m. – Illinois State vs. Indiana

Saturday, Feb. 15

• 10 a.m. – Illinois State vs. North Dakota State

When Is The Puerto Vallarta Softball Tournament?

Session 1 for PVCC will take place Feb. 6-8 followed by Session 2 from Feb. 12-15.

Where Is The Puerto Vallarta Softball Tournament?  

The Puerto Vallarta College Challenge is at Nancy Almaraz Field in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Complete Puerto Vallarta College Challenge 2025 Schedule

All Times Central

PVCC Session 1 schedule: 

Thursday, Feb. 6

• 10 a.m. – Florida State vs. Oklahoma State
• 1 p.m. – Florida State vs. Northern Colorado
• 4 p.m. – Northern Colorado vs. LA Tech

Friday, Feb. 7

• 1 p.m. – Florida State vs. LA Tech
• 4 p.m. – Oklahoma State vs. LA Tech
• 7 p.m. – Northern Colorado vs. Oklahoma State

Saturday, Feb. 8

• 1 p.m. – LA Tech vs. Northern Colorado
• 4 p.m. – LA Tech vs. Florida State
• 7 p.m. – Oklahoma State vs. Florida State

PVCC Session 2 schedule:

Wednesday, Feb. 12

• Noon – North Dakota State vs. BYU

Thursday, Feb. 13

• 10 a.m. – Florida International vs. Boise State
• 1 p.m. – North Dakota State vs. Boise State
• 4 p.m. – BYU vs. Illinois State
• 7 p.m. – Indiana vs. North Dakota State

Friday, Feb. 14

• 10 a.m. – Florida International vs. Illinois State
• 12:30 p.m. – Florida International vs. North Dakota State
• 3 p.m. – Illinois State vs. Indiana
• 6 p.m. – Boise State vs. Indiana
• 8:30 p.m. – Boise State vs. BYU

Saturday, Feb. 15

• 10 a.m. – Illinois State vs. North Dakota State
• 1 p.m. – Indiana vs. BYU
• 4 p.m. – BYU vs. Florida International
• 7 p.m. – Boise State vs. Florida International

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