Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Softball Loses Top Offensive Threat for Four Weeks
03/06/2002 | 12:00:00 | Softball
March 6, 2002
Carbondale, Ill. - Southern Illinois head softball coach Kerri Blaylock announced today that senior outfielder Elissa Hopkins will miss at least four weeks due to a spiral fracture in her left pinky finger.
Hopkins, who sustained her injury while sliding into third on a stolen base yesterday against Southeast Missouri State, leads the Salukis in six offensive categories.
Batting .308, Hopkins ranks atop the Dawgs in doubles (2), triples (2), home runs (1), RBI (6) and slugging percentage (.654).
Hopkins is now one of four Salukis who are currently nursing injuries as starting catcher Karrie Fortman has a broken thumb, Jami Weddle (1B) has elbow problems and Kelly Creek (UT) has a nagging injury with her feet.
Despite its bad news, SIU will look to have a successful run at this weekend's Florida State Seminole Classic (March 8-10) where four nationally-ranked teams are among the 16-team field. No. 4 Nebraska (11-5) spearheads the competition, while No. 8 Michigan (12-4) and No. 22 Florida State (16-7) follow. Minnesota is also among those getting national consideration after recently receiving 33 votes.
