Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) athletics is nearing the end of its school year competitions, with only the track and field team remaining in action. The baseball team's season concluded at the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament.

The track and field team will have nine athletes competing in the NCAA West Preliminary Round in Bryan-College Station, Texas. This event begins on Wednesday, May 28, and continues through Saturday, May 31. Leah Thames, Teanna Bell, Trinity Cleaver, and KeyAnn Wilson are set to participate in the women's 4x100-meter relay. Thames will also compete individually in both the 200- and 400-meter dashes. Bell is also entered in the 400-meter dash. On the men's side, Xavier Preston, Andre Jackson II, Josh Delgado, and Shane Ashton will race in the 4x400-meter relay. Darrione Williams will compete in the long jump while Jackson participates in the 400-meter dash and Ashton takes part in the 400-meter hurdles.

In baseball news, SIU finished its season with a record of 37 wins and 18 losses overall and a conference record of 16-11. The MVC recently announced its All-MVC Team list with six Salukis receiving honors: Matt Schark and Sam Frizzi made First Team; Tim Simay and John Lemm were named to Second Team; Jordan Bach and Dylan Petrey received Honorable Mentions.

The Salukis began their MVC Tournament run with a high-scoring game against #4 UIC but fell short with a final score of 19-17 despite setting a tournament record by hitting ten home runs during that game. Michael Mylott hit three home runs while Lemm and Cecil Lofton each added two.

Their tournament journey ended after facing #1 Murray State on Thursday where they lost with a score of 10-5. Simay hit a home run during this match while Lofton led his team with two RBIs.

For ongoing updates about Southern Illinois athletics or to follow along as events unfold for various teams including track & field's upcoming competition at NCAAs—fans can stay connected via social media platforms like X (@SIUSalukis), Instagram (@siusalukis), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SalukiAthletics/) or download "Salukis" Mobile App available on both App Store & Google Play Store.