Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University softball team concluded the Coach B. Classic with two victories on Sunday, defeating Purdue 6-5 and Purdue Fort Wayne 16-4. The Salukis finished the weekend with a 4-1 record.

"I think you're just seeing the comforts of home and how much we enjoy being here," head coach Jen Sewell commented. "I can't explain enough how good it's been just to be back out in front of the fans and feel some good energy."

In their first game against Purdue, SIU secured a win in eight innings despite being out-hit by Purdue 9-8. McKenzie Newcomb earned her fourth win of the season, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing five hits and two runs with four strikeouts. Emma Austin had a standout performance at bat, going 3-5 with three RBIs.

Purdue initially took a lead in the first inning, but SIU responded with runs throughout the game. Amanda Knutson's home run in the fourth inning brought SIU closer before they tied it up in the fifth inning due to an error by Purdue. The game went into extra innings where Austin's two-run single clinched victory for SIU.

In their second game against Purdue Fort Wayne, SIU scored a season-high of 16 runs on 19 hits, winning decisively in five innings. Freshman Kaytee Dahlstrom recorded her first career win, pitching 3.1 innings with seven hits allowed and four strikeouts.

SIU started strong with five runs in the first inning thanks to Jackie Lis' home run that tied her for most career home runs in program history. The team continued scoring heavily throughout the game, securing an eight-run fourth inning which solidified their lead.

Looking ahead, SIU will host Wisconsin and Northern Illinois next weekend at the Saluki Invitational before starting conference play.

Fans can follow updates about the Salukis on Twitter @SIU_Softball, Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball, Instagram @SIU_Softball or through their mobile app available on App Store or Google Play Store.