Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's softball team is set to host Indiana State for a three-game series at Charlotte West Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. SIU's last home series was against Missouri State in mid-March. The upcoming series will feature an 'Autism Awareness Game' scheduled for Sunday, April 6 at noon. The Southern Illinois softball team has partnered with the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) for this event, which will include an auction for a sweatshirt handmade by senior Chloe Scroggins.

SIU enters the weekend with a record of 18-15 overall and 10-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). They recently played a three-game series in Nashville against Belmont, coming away with two wins. In the first game, SIU won 10-3, with Addi Baker and Amanda Knutson each hitting a home run. The pitching staff, including Emma Gipson, McKenzie Newcomb, and Kaytee Dahlstrom, allowed only two earned runs. SIU lost the second game but secured the series victory with a 3-0 win on Saturday. Newcomb's performance earned her the title of MVC Newcomer of the Week.

SIU has a historical advantage over Indiana State, having won 88 out of 115 matchups. The Salukis swept the Sycamores last year with an aggregate score of 29-1. Indiana State, boasting a current record of 11-22 overall and 5-3 in the conference, recently defeated Butler but lost a series at Drake.

The games will occur from April 4-6, with live results and broadcasts available on The Varsity Network. SIU fans can find updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. SIU also encourages fans to download the "Salukis" Mobile App for further updates.