Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) softball team commenced their Missouri Valley Conference play with a narrow 1-0 victory over Illinois State. The match, held in Carbondale, saw SIU's strong defensive play and pitching lead them to triumph.

Head coach Jen Sewell remarked on the challenging conditions: "I felt like the weather summed up that game. It was only going to get played one way and that was who was going to get a two-out hit in front of an outfielder with that wind blowing straight in at 40 plus."

The Salukis managed eight hits against the Redbirds' three, while maintaining an error-free performance compared to Illinois State's single error.

McKenzie Newcomb earned her sixth win of the season with a notable four-inning performance, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out six. Freshman Emma Gipson also contributed significantly by pitching three innings, conceding two hits but no runs.

Senior Emma Austin continued her form after being named MVC Player of the Week by going 2-for-3 at bat. Erin Lee scored the decisive run after being driven in by Emily Williams.

Coach Sewell acknowledged the team's adaptability: "I thought we just hung in there and adapted to how we needed to play. We probably knew we couldn't swing for the fences and the lefties were in the best matchup to try to get on and get to second base, so I thought they did their part."

In a game characterized by tight pitching from both sides, Gipson allowed only one runner early on before Newcomb took over in the fourth inning. The critical moment came when Williams singled through right field with two outs, driving Lee home for what would be the game's sole run.

Newcomb solidified SIU's win by striking out multiple Redbirds across subsequent innings and securing all three outs in the seventh inning.

SIU aims to maintain its momentum as they face Illinois State again on Saturday at noon.

Fans can stay updated with Saluki softball news via Twitter @SIU_Softball, Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball, Instagram @SIU_Softball, or through their mobile app available on both major app stores.