Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's softball team is set to travel to Valparaiso for a three-game series this weekend. The games will take place at the Valpo Softball Complex in Valparaiso, Indiana, from Friday, March 21 to Sunday, March 23.

The Salukis are coming off a successful two-game sweep against Missouri State. In the first game, Southern Illinois secured an 8-7 victory in eight innings with Sage Grann delivering a walkoff RBI double. Erin Lee contributed significantly with a grand slam. Other key players included Anna Carder, Emily Williams, and Mikaela Coburn who also had RBIs.

In the second game against Missouri State, SIU's offense was strong again with a 9-2 win. Carder hit another grand slam while Williams and Addi Baker added home runs. Grann, Lee, and Jackie Lis also drove in runs. Pitcher Kiana McDowell allowed only two earned runs over five innings.

Historically, Southern Illinois leads their series against Valparaiso 14-1. Their last encounter was in 2023 when SIU swept Valparaiso at home by run-rule in all three games. Valparaiso's sole victory over Southern came in 2018.

Valparaiso enters this series with a record of 12-10 overall and is currently 1-1 in conference play after splitting their recent series at Indiana State.

Fans can follow updates on the Salukis through social media platforms such as Twitter (@SIU_Softball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball), and Instagram (@SIU_Softball). The "Salukis" Mobile App is also available for download on the App Store or Google Play Store.