Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's softball team recorded a decisive 11-0 victory over Evansville on Friday. Senior Emma Austin made history for the Salukis by breaking the career stolen base record. In the sixth inning, Austin stole her 64th career base, surpassing the previous record shared by Marta Viefhaus and Jami Koss.

During the match, Southern Illinois achieved 13 hits and committed no errors, while Evansville managed six hits with no errors. McKenzie Newcomb won her 18th game, allowing three hits, three walks, and striking out four in four scoreless innings. Emma Gipson allowed three hits and a walk, with one strikeout in two innings pitched.

Emma Austin and Sage Grann each collected three hits, with Grann recording three RBI and Austin contributing two runs. Other contributors included Jackie Lis, Emily Williams, and Amanda Knutson, each securing two RBI in the game.

The match began with no scores in the first two innings. Gipson worked out of a jam in the second inning, keeping the game scoreless. Southern Illinois scored first in the third inning, opening the lead with an RBI single by Jackie Lis. Emma Austin later scored on a wild pitch, followed by Lis being driven home by Emily Williams.

Newcomb entered the game in the third inning and maintained the lead for Southern Illinois by stranding two Evansville runners. The Salukis extended their lead in the sixth inning, scoring eight runs. Amanda Knutson initiated the scoring with a triple, and Austin's record-breaking steal followed. Mikaela Coburn added to the scoreboard with a double. Grann sealed the game with a three-run double, concluding the game at 11-0.

Southern Illinois now looks forward to facing Evansville in game two on Saturday. A win or a Belmont loss on Saturday would clinch the Missouri Valley Conference regular season title for the Salukis.

Stay updated with the team's progress by following their social media platforms and downloading their mobile app.