Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois softball team ended their participation in the Tiger Invitational with a victory over Appalachian State. The Salukis, who now hold a 1-4 record, achieved an 11-2 win, marking their first success of the season.

"I think that is what this team is capable of," stated head coach Jen Sewell. "A lot of teams on a Sunday would have come in here pretty flat."

Jackie Lis had an impressive performance, hitting two home runs and driving in four runs. Other contributors included Mikaela Coburn with two RBIs and Haley Wilkerson, Erin Lee, and Amanda Knutson each adding one RBI.

Pitcher McKenzie Newcomb completed five innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out seven batters to secure her first win for Southern Illinois.

The game began with Lis scoring herself and Emma Austin with her first home run of the season. In the second inning, Southern Illinois extended their lead to 4-0 through efforts from Lee, Knutson, and Coburn.

Appalachian State responded with a two-run homer in the third inning but Southern Illinois quickly regained control. A throwing error allowed Lee and Charley Pursley to score after Coburn reached base.

In the fourth inning, Lis hit another home run increasing the lead to 8-2. Further contributions from Lee's double and Knutson's triple expanded it to 10-2 before Coburn's sacrifice fly finalized the score at 11-2.

Newcomb faced only four batters in the final inning to secure Southern Illinois' run-rule victory.

Next up for Southern Illinois is participation in the Snowman Tournament starting Thursday, February 13th against Mississippi.

For updates on Southern Illinois softball follow them on Twitter @SIU_Softball or Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App available on App Store or Google Play Store.