Carbondale Reporter

Emma Austin and Emily Williams have been recognized by the Missouri Valley Conference for their performances in Southern Illinois' final series of the regular season. Austin was named MVC Player of the Week, while Williams received the title of MVC Newcomer of the Week for the fifth time this season.

In the series against Evansville, Austin achieved a batting average of .583, going 7-for-12. The senior outfielder scored six runs, hit one triple, and successfully completed four stolen bases without being caught. On Friday, she set a new career record with her 64th steal as a Saluki. This is her second time receiving this accolade, having last been honored on March 11.

Williams recorded a batting average of .500 during the same series, with one home run and four RBI. Her on-base percentage stood at .545 and her slugging percentage at .800. On Sunday, she hit her 16th home run of the season, tying for second-most in a single season in program history.

Southern Illinois enters this week's MVC Tournament as the No. 1 seed after securing their second consecutive MVC regular-season championship. They will face either No. 8 Drake or No. 9 Murray State on Thursday, May 8.

Missouri Valley Conference Weekly Award Winners include Maya Johnson from Belmont as Pitcher of the Week and Brailey Mills from Indiana State as Freshman of the Week.

For more updates on Southern Illinois softball, fans can follow them on social media or download their mobile app.