Carbondale Reporter

On May 10, 2025, the Southern Illinois University (SIU) softball team faced a tough loss against Belmont in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship held in Des Moines, Iowa. The Salukis, ranked No. 1 with a season record of 33-20 and conference record of 21-5, were defeated by No. 2 Belmont with a score of 6-2.

During the game, SIU scored two runs on four hits without any errors. Belmont managed to secure six runs from ten hits, also avoiding errors. Three pitchers represented Southern Illinois: Emma Gipson started the game for 2.1 innings, McKenzie Newcomb pitched for four innings, and Kiana McDowell finished the game pitching for 0.2 innings in the seventh.

Jackie Lis contributed significantly by hitting a two-run home run and going 1-for-3 at bat. Emily Williams went 2-for-3 against Belmont.

Initially, both teams were engaged in a pitcher's duel between SIU's Emma Gipson and Belmont's Maya Johnson during the first two innings. Gipson effectively handled the first inning with three consecutive outs and continued to perform well into the second inning after allowing an initial single.

Belmont took an early lead in the third inning with two solo home runs, bringing the score to 2-0. They extended their lead to 3-0 with another run in the fourth inning through a single.

In response, Jackie Lis hit her eleventh home run of the season in the bottom of the fourth inning for SIU, scoring Emma Austin and reducing Belmont's lead to one run at 3-2.

McKenzie Newcomb maintained strong performance for SIU with scoreless innings in both the fifth and sixth frames. However, despite Emily Williams' single in the bottom of the sixth inning, SIU could not capitalize further.

Belmont sealed their victory by adding three more runs through a three-run home run in their last offensive effort during the seventh inning.

The Salukis were unable to close the gap in their final chance at bat and concluded their championship match with a loss of 6-2.

Following this match, Williams, Lis, and Anna Carder were honored by being named to the MVC All-Tournament Team.

For more updates on Southern Illinois University's softball team activities and news, fans can follow them on Twitter (@SIU_Softball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball), Instagram (@SIU_Softball), or download their mobile app available on App Store and Google Play Store.