Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University softball team achieved a 5-3 victory over Missouri, marking their first win against the Tigers since 2007. Head coach Jen Sewell expressed the significance of the win, stating, "It was important for us to gauge where we were at. We managed the game a little bit better, managing our emotions, our at bats, and our pitches."

The Salukis scored their runs on six hits and committed one error, while Missouri had five hits with one error. Pitcher Kaytee Dahlstrom improved to 5-1, allowing three hits, two runs (one earned), three walks, with one strikeout in four innings. McKenzie Newcomb earned her first save with two hits, one earned run, no walks, and five strikeouts over three innings.

Emily Williams contributed her team-high 10th home run of the year. She finished 1-for-3 with three RBIs. Jackie Lis and Emma Austin both went 2-for-4, with Lis recording a triple and double.

The game opened scoreless for two innings. Missouri took the lead in the third with a pair of doubles and an error, bringing the score to 2-0. Southern Illinois responded in the fourth inning with a three-run homer by Williams, taking the lead.

Lis and Austin continued their contributions in the fifth. Lis tripled, scoring Austin for a 4-2 lead. Missouri countered with a solo home run in the fifth but was stopped by strong defensive plays, including a key out by Anna Carder. No runs came in the sixth inning, giving the Salukis a chance to secure an insurance run in the seventh.

Newcomb closed the game effectively, ending Missouri's hopes of a comeback and securing the win. "I think this just reminds us that we have the postseason in mind and when we are prepared and paying attention, we can beat anybody," Sewell remarked.

The Salukis, with five straight wins and victories in 17 of their last 18 games, are preparing for an upcoming series against Bradley in Carbondale, Illinois. This series begins on Friday at 5 p.m.

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