Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) softball team faced a narrow defeat against North Texas in the final game of the 2025 Snowman: Alex Wilcox Memorial Tournament. The tournament, hosted by Mississippi State, concluded with SIU falling 6-5 to North Texas.

Anna Carder hit her second home run of the year, earning two RBIs. Addi Baker, Maleah Blomenkamp, and Erin Lee also contributed with RBIs. Amanda Knutson, Emily Williams, and Emma Austin added hits.

The game began with SIU taking an early lead after three consecutive walks loaded the bases. Baker's flyout brought in a run for a 1-0 lead. North Texas quickly countered in their half of the first inning, scoring two runs on a fielder's choice.

SIU tied it at 2-2 in the second inning when Blomenkamp grounded out to score a runner following an error by North Texas. The Salukis regained the lead in the third inning as Lee singled to bring Sarah Cook home for a 3-2 advantage.

Carder's two-run homer in the fourth extended SIU's lead to 5-2. However, North Texas responded with a three-run homer from McKenzie Newcomb that tied the game at 5-5 in their half of the fourth inning.

In the sixth inning, North Texas' leadoff hitter hit what proved to be the winning run—a solo shot that bounced off Blomenkamp's glove over the wall—securing their first lead since earlier in the game.

The Salukis attempted a comeback in the seventh but fell short as Austin struck out with runners on base, ending both their effort and the game at 6-5.

Next up for Southern Illinois is participation in San Marcos Classic on February 21st where they will face Kansas followed by host school Texas State.

Fans can follow updates about SIU Softball via Twitter @SIU_Softball or through Facebook and Instagram pages under SalukiSoftball. The "Salukis" Mobile App is also available for download on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.