Carbondale Reporter

Senior McKenzie Newcomb from Southern Illinois University's softball team has been recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Newcomer of the Week. The league announced the award on Monday after Newcomb's impressive performance against Belmont over the weekend.

Newcomb's record included a 1-0 win, allowing no earned runs across two appearances. She pitched 6.2 scoreless innings, surrendered two hits, gave up no runs, and issued two walks while tallying four strikeouts. Belmont's team had a batting average of .091 when facing Newcomb.

This marks the second occasion Newcomb has been distinguished with the MVC Newcomer of the Week honor, with her previous award on March 11. Additionally, she was named the MVC Pitcher of the Week on March 18. Currently, Newcomb stands at 11-5 with a 1.95 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. She has accumulated 89 strikeouts against 15 walks in 86.0 innings pitched so far this season.

Southern Illinois, holding an 18-15 overall and a 10-1 conference record, is leading the Valley. They are set to host Indiana State this weekend, with the first game planned for Friday at 5 p.m.

The MVC also announced its other weekly awards: Chloe Merced from Missouri State as Player of the Week, Maya Johnson from Belmont as Pitcher of the Week, and Eliza Piggott from Evansville as Freshman of the Week.

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