Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) softball team achieved another milestone over the weekend. On Sunday, the Salukis completed a dominant doubleheader sweep over Indiana State, winning 10-2 and 9-4. These victories improved their record to 12-1 in Missouri Valley Conference play and 20-15 overall.

In the first game, SIU claimed a 10-2 victory in five innings. Emma Gipson played a key role on the mound, securing the win with three strikeouts over five innings. "Freshman Emma Gipson (2-4) earned the win after allowing six hits, two earned runs, two walks, with three strikeouts across 5.0 innings pitched in the complete game."

Addi Baker provided offensive support for the Salukis with two home runs and five RBIs. "Addi Baker led the way for SIU at the plate, going 2-2 with two home runs, five RBI, two runs scored, and one walk."

Southern's defense complemented its offensive prowess, as they did not commit any errors over both games. "Southern Illinois tallied 10 hits and didn't commit an error in the win."

The Salukis faced an early 2-0 deficit in game one but responded with a five-run rally in the bottom of the first inning. This included a three-run home run by Baker. "Southern Illinois came back with a thunderous response in the bottom half of the inning, scoring five runs to go up by three."

Gipson contained Indiana State after the first inning, while SIU continued to score in the third and fourth innings to secure their victory.

In the second game, SIU secured a 9-4 win, remaining error-free and tallying 11 hits. McKenzie Newcomb, who entered in the third inning, contributed significantly by not allowing any runs over five innings. "Newcomb finished with a line of four hits, no runs, no walks, and had six strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched to earn her 12th win of the season."

Indiana State initially led 1-0, but SIU responded with three runs in the first inning. Despite Indiana State regaining the lead in the second inning, SIU surged ahead in the third with four more runs. "Newcomb entered the game in the third after Kiana McDowell and Kaytee Dahlstrom had started the game for Southern Illinois."

The Salukis will next play away games against Missouri State and the University of Missouri on April 8 and April 9, respectively.