Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) softball team concluded their first day of a doubleheader at Belmont University with mixed results. In the opening game, SIU secured a 10-3 victory. However, in the subsequent match, Belmont managed to keep SIU off the scoreboard, resulting in a 5-0 defeat for the Salukis.

In the first game, the Salukis amassed ten runs on ten hits, with a significant three-home run sequence in the sixth inning contributing to their win. Kaytee Dahlstrom was credited with the win after allowing one earned run, two hits, and achieving four strikeouts over two innings. Emma Gipson started the game for the Salukis, delivering 3.2 innings where she allowed two runs. McKenzie Newcomb also contributed with a solid 1.1 innings, giving up no hits or walks.

Players Erin Lee, Emily Williams, Addi Baker, and Amanda Knutson recorded home runs during the game, giving the Salukis a powerful offensive display. Belmont began strong by scoring two runs in the first inning, but SIU quickly retaliated, eventually taking a 4-2 lead in the fourth inning, which expanded to 9-2 by the end of the sixth.

Conversely, in the second game, SIU was shut out by Belmont 5-0. Sophomore pitcher Kiana McDowell took the loss, with Belmont's Maya Johnson delivering a dominant seven-inning performance that left SIU scoreless.

During the first inning, Belmont took the lead with a bunt single, followed by a solo home run in the second inning. Three additional runs in the fifth ensured Belmont's win. Johnson’s pitching was instrumental in maintaining her team’s lead throughout the game.

Both teams will meet again for the series finale on Saturday, with the game scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee.