Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's softball team had mixed results on the second day of the Coach B. Classic in Carbondale, Illinois. The Salukis lost to Central Arkansas 10-7 in an eight-inning game but managed to secure a victory against Purdue with a score of 5-4, also in eight innings.

Head coach Jen Sewell reflected on the team's performance against Purdue, stating, "I think we survived the first inning [vs. Purdue] and didn't get too hard on ourselves, and then we were able to figure it out as the game went along." She noted that defensively it was one of their best performances.

In their first game against Central Arkansas, Southern Illinois scored early with runs in each of the first three innings. Jackie Lis and Alexis Rudd both contributed home runs, with Lis hitting her fifth of the season and Rudd her first. Despite these efforts, Central Arkansas tied the game in the fifth inning and eventually took control by scoring three runs in the eighth inning.

The Salukis faced Purdue later that day. Although Purdue initially led 3-0 after a two-run shot in the first inning, Southern Illinois gradually closed the gap. Key plays included Anna Carder's double bringing them within one run and Maleah Blomenkamp's sacrifice fly tying the game at 4-4. McKenzie Newcomb's pitching was instrumental as she held Purdue scoreless for the final three innings. The decisive moment came when Kiana McDowell scored off an error during Amanda Knutson's at-bat.

The Salukis will play two more games on Sunday to conclude their participation in the Coach B. Classic, facing Purdue again at 1:30 p.m., followed by a match against Purdue Fort Wayne at 4 p.m.

Fans can stay updated on Southern Illinois University softball through social media platforms such as Twitter (@SIU_Softball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball), Instagram (@SIU_Softball), or by downloading their mobile app from App Store or Google Play Store.