Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) softball team began the 2025 Saluki Invitational with a split outcome on Saturday. The team hosted Wisconsin and Northern Illinois at Charlotte West Stadium, playing two games.

In the first game, SIU faced a narrow defeat against Wisconsin, losing 2-1. The match was marked by strong defensive play from both sides. "Everybody is gonna love the NIU win, I think that is how hot our offense has been lately," commented head coach Jen Sewell after the day's events. She added, "I thought we hit well and then pitched well. So then again, we need to put pitching, hitting, and defense all together again."

During the game against Wisconsin, Addi Baker scored SIU's only run with a solo home run. Emma Austin performed notably well at bat, achieving four hits in as many attempts. Erin Lee also contributed with a double and single.

Wisconsin took an early lead in the second inning with a solo homer and extended it in the fifth inning through strategic plays that brought another runner home. Despite Baker's home run in the fifth inning reducing Wisconsin's lead to one run, SIU could not equalize before the game's end.

In their second matchup of the day against Northern Illinois, SIU secured an emphatic 8-0 victory within five innings. Austin maintained her batting form with three hits and stole a base. Lee drove in two runs with a double while several other players contributed RBIs.

The Salukis quickly established control over Northern Illinois by scoring multiple runs across different innings. Their offensive efforts culminated in an 8-0 win due to a combination of strategic plays and fielding errors from their opponents.

Looking ahead, Southern Illinois will face Wisconsin again at 1:30 p.m., followed by another game against Northern Illinois at 4 p.m., as they continue their participation in the Saluki Invitational.

Fans can follow updates on SIU softball through social media platforms including Twitter (@SIU_Softball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball), Instagram (@SIU_Softball), or via the "Salukis" Mobile App available on app stores.