Day One Highlights: SIU Splits Matches at the Saluki Invitational – Southern Illinois Athletics Recap

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Day One Highlights: SIU Splits Matches at the Saluki Invitational – Southern Illinois Athletics Recap
CARBONDALE, Ill. – The 2025 Saluki Invitational started on Saturday at Charlotte West Stadium. Southern Illinois softball faced off against Wisconsin and Northern Illinois in two exciting games.

In their first match, Southern struggled against Wisconsin, losing 2-1. However, they bounced back impressively in the second game, crushing Northern Illinois 8-0 in just five innings.

“Everyone will be thrilled with the win against NIU. Our offense has been really strong lately,” said head coach Jen Sewell. “We hit well and pitched well. Now, we just need to combine all three aspects: pitching, hitting, and defense.”

Game One: 2-1 Loss to Wisconsin

Highlights

  • Addi Baker scored SIU’s only run with a solo home run.
  • Emma Austin was outstanding, hitting 4-4 at the plate.
  • Erin Lee also contributed with a double and a single.

Summary
Wisconsin took the lead early in the second inning with a solo home run. They added another run in the fifth, extending their lead to 2-0. Southern responded in the fifth when Baker hit a home run, making it 2-1. Unfortunately, that was all the scoring for the game, and Southern fell to Wisconsin.

Game Two: 8-0 Win Over Northern Illinois

Highlights

  • SIU scored early with a sacrifice fly from Carder.
  • They scored five runs in the third inning, sparked by a double from Lee.
  • The game ended with a triple from Baker and a single from Coburn.

Summary
Southern started strong with a quick run in the first inning. In the third, they really opened up the game, scoring five runs. Baker’s triple in the fifth set the stage for a run-rule victory, ending the game at 8-0.

What’s Next?
Southern will face Wisconsin again on Sunday at 1:30 p.m., followed by another matchup against Northern Illinois at 4 p.m. to finish the Saluki Invitational.

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