Carbondale Reporter

For the first time this season, McKenzie Newcomb of Southern Illinois University has been recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week. The announcement was made by the league on Tuesday.

Newcomb achieved a 3-0 record with a 0.00 ERA during Southern's three-game sweep against Illinois State over the weekend. She allowed six hits, no runs, one walk, and recorded 15 strikeouts in 10.2 innings pitched.

In these games, Newcomb maintained an opposing batting average of .158. Recently, she has shown strong performance for SIU with a 0.53 ERA over her last six appearances, covering 26.1 innings and allowing two earned runs.

This season, Newcomb holds an 8-5 record with a 1.84 ERA and a WHIP of 1.07. She has struck out 70 batters in 16 appearances, including three starts across 64.2 innings pitched. Her ERA ranks third in the Valley while she is second in strikeouts.

Earlier this season, Newcomb was named MVC Newcomer of the Week following her performance at the Saluki Invitational.

Southern Illinois (11-14, 3-0) is set to play against Missouri State at home tonight with the game starting around 5 p.m.

The Missouri Valley Conference also announced other weekly award winners: Player of the Week went to McKenzie Vaughn from Missouri State; Freshman of the Week was awarded to Skylar Benesh from UNI; and Azalya Lopez from Valparaiso received Newcomer of the Week honors.

Fans can stay updated on Salukis news through Twitter at @SIU_Softball, Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball, Instagram at @SIU_Softball or by downloading the "Salukis" Mobile App available on both App Store and Google Play Store.