Carbondale Reporter

St. Louis, Mo. - Following an impressive week, the Southern Illinois University softball team received three out of four weekly awards from the Missouri Valley Conference. Emily Williams garnered both the Player and Newcomer of the Week titles, while McKenzie Newcomb was named Pitcher of the Week.

For Williams, it marked her first time as Player of the Week and her third as Newcomer of the Week, her previous recognition coming on March 24. During the week, Williams hit three home runs, accumulated 11 RBIs, and attained a slugging percentage of .824. Her initial home run occurred against Missouri on April 9, contributing to SIU's 5-3 victory. The Louisville, Ky., native then achieved a grand slam against Bradley and a decisive three-run home run the following day. Williams is currently ranked second in the Valley for home runs and first in RBIs.

McKenzie Newcomb earned her second Pitcher of the Week honors, posting a record of 3-0 and achieving two saves in five appearances. The senior recorded a 1.79 ERA, striking out 18 batters while walking only two over 15.2 innings. After securing a win against Missouri State on April 8, Newcomb recorded her first save for the Salukis at Mizzou the next day. With a 15-5 record and a 1.84 ERA, she ranks second in the conference.

The successes of Williams and Newcomb have placed the Salukis in first place in the MVC, holding a 16-1 league record and a 25-15 overall record. The team is set to play a series against Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, starting on April 18.

Weekly awards in the conference also recognized Hannah Sutton from Murray State as the Freshman of the Week.