Carbondale Reporter

A pair of seniors from the Southern Illinois University softball team have been recognized by the Missouri Valley Conference for their performances. Outfielder Emma Austin has been named Player of the Week, while pitcher McKenzie Newcomb received the Newcomer of the Week award.

These honors were given following a successful weekend at the Saluki Invitational, where Southern Illinois won three out of four games against Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Emma Austin achieved a batting average of .667 over four games, going 10-for-15 with three runs scored, one double, and one RBI. Her performance included a perfect 7-for-7 day on Saturday against NIU and Wisconsin. This effort raised her season batting average to .382, placing her sixth in the conference.

McKenzie Newcomb delivered strong performances as well. In two appearances against Wisconsin, she recorded a 1-0 record with a 0.70 ERA, allowing only two runs (one earned) and seven hits without issuing any walks while striking out five batters across 10 innings pitched. Her season statistics now include a 5-5 record with a 2.20 ERA, ranking fourth in the league.

This marks the second time this season that Southern Illinois players have received weekly awards from the conference. Previously, Jackie Lis was named Player of the Week and Emily Williams received Newcomer of the Week honors after performances earlier in February.

Southern Illinois currently holds an overall record of 8-14 as they head into their first conference weekend of the season against Illinois State at Charlotte West Stadium.

Missouri Valley Conference Weekly Award Winners:

- Player of the Week: Emma Austin, Southern Illinois

- Pitcher of the Week: Maya Johnson, Belmont

- Freshman of the Week: Kenley Minor, Murray State

- Newcomer of the Week: McKenzie Newcomb, Southern Illinois

Fans can follow updates on Southern Illinois softball through Twitter at @SIU_Softball or on Facebook and Instagram under SalukiSoftball.