Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) softball team secured a 2-0 victory over Central Arkansas in their home opener at the Coach B. Classic. This win marks SIU's second of the season, improving their record to 2-12.

Head coach Jen Sewell expressed satisfaction with her team's performance: "It's been a long three weeks, so we just talked about trying to do the basics well and I thought we did that tonight." She acknowledged the strength of Central Arkansas' pitcher, Julia Petty, noting, "Offensively, that kid [Bears pitcher Julia Petty] has held some big time teams."

Anna Carder was pivotal for SIU offensively, going 2-for-2 with a walk and contributing a home run and two RBIs. On the pitching side, McKenzie Newcomb delivered an impressive performance. The Samford transfer pitched five innings without allowing any runs while striking out ten batters.

SIU took an early lead in the first inning when Anna Carder hit a two-run homer after Maleah Blomenkamp reached base. Emma Gipson started on the mound for SIU and pitched two scoreless innings before Newcomb took over in the third inning.

Central Arkansas posed their biggest threat in the seventh inning by loading the bases with two outs. However, Newcomb managed to strike out Renee Christian for her tenth strikeout of the game, securing SIU's win.

Coach Sewell praised Newcomb's performance: "That's who [Newcomb] we recruited," she said. "She's finally getting on top of her pitches where she feels good command with everything."

Looking ahead, SIU will continue their participation in the Coach B. Classic by hosting Central Arkansas again at 4 p.m., followed by Purdue at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

For more updates on Saluki softball, fans can follow them on social media platforms such as Twitter (@SIU_Softball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball), and Instagram (@SIU_Softball). Additionally, information is available through the "Salukis" Mobile App on both iOS and Android devices.