Carbondale Reporter

SIU softball opened its 2025 season with a doubleheader at the Tiger Invitational, facing Appalachian State and Auburn. The team lost both games, falling to Appalachian State 9-3 and to Auburn 6-1.

Head coach Jen Sewell commented on the team's performance: "I think day one was a big reminder that we have to play defense. We faced way too many batters and extended both ballgames too long. Game one felt like we never grabbed the game and took it. Game two with Auburn we fought but did not make three key plays. But I liked our personality and presence as a team in that game."

In the first game against Appalachian State, Anna Carder and Addi Baker hit solo home runs for SIU, while Jackie Lis recorded an RBI. Starting pitcher Kiana McDowell allowed four hits and three earned runs over 3.1 innings.

Appalachian State began strongly with eight batters in the top of the first inning, scoring two runs. Emma Austin reached base on a walk for SIU but only advanced to third base before Appalachian State ended the inning. SIU managed their first run in the third inning through Lis's single, driving Maleah Blomenkamp home.

The Mountaineers increased their lead with four runs in the fourth inning against McDowell and relief pitcher Kaytee Dahlstrom. Baker's leadoff homer brought SIU closer at 6-2, but Appalachian State added three more runs in the seventh inning to secure their win.

In the second game against Auburn, Amanda Knutson hit a solo home run for SIU's only run of the day, tying the game temporarily in the third inning. Emma Gipson pitched 4.1 innings for SIU, allowing one earned run.

Auburn scored first due to a throwing error by Southern Illinois University (SIU). They regained their lead with a two-run double in the fourth inning and extended it further with a two-run homer in the fifth. A sacrifice fly added another run for Auburn in the sixth inning.

Coach Sewell praised Gipson's performance: "I will say Emma Gipson threw her guts out today," adding that she made significant pitches before an SEC crowd.

Looking ahead, Coach Sewell expressed hope for improvement: "Tomorrow we need to settle in... more flying around on defense and calming down at the plate."

The Salukis are set to face Auburn again tomorrow at 12:30 p.m., followed by North Carolina at 5:30 p.m.

For updates on Saluki softball, fans can follow them on Twitter (@SIU_Softball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball), Instagram (@SIU_Softball), or download their mobile app from app stores.