Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Softball Faces #1 California At UNLV Invitational Tournament Friday
02/16/2005 | 12:00:00 | Softball
Feb. 16, 2005
By Lou Antoine
SIUSalukis.com
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CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Salukis will face their toughest challenge of the young season this weekend, when SIU heads West this weekend to face #1 California (1-0) and #14 Florida (11-1) in two of their fives games at the UNLV Invitational Tournament Feb. 18-20 at Eller Media Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"I'm excited. We haven't played California in a while, but I don't think we've ever played a #1 team, so it's a good step for the program and a good step for the kids. They're very excited about the opportunity," said Kerri Blaylock, SIU head coach.
"People all over the country are playing tough schedules early in the year to prepare for their conference seasons and that's what we're doing. All the teams here are good competition and we're excited to compete. Florida may be one the hottest teams in the nation."
In addition to opening the tournament against California (11:30 a.m.), the Salukis will also face Iowa State (0-0) on Friday at 1:45 p.m. On Saturday, SIU will play Michigan State (0-0), an NCAA Tournament team last year, at 6:15 p.m., followed by host UNLV (5-4) at 8:30 p.m. Southern Illinois will close the tournament on Sunday with Florida, another 2004 NCAA Tournament team, at 11:00 a.m.
With such a strong field, Blaylock has a primary goal of consistency at the plate for the Salukis.
"We're looking for consistency. Last weekend we were high one day (22 runs) and flat the next (no runs). We may lose some games, but as long as we're consistent and stay aggressive with the bats, play good defense and pitch well; we'll be in good shape. We hope our pitching and defense will hold teams down, so our bats may be the difference," Blaylock added.
SIU is coming off 8-0 and 14-0 wins over Ball State and Southern Mississippi respectively and a 1-0 loss to Mississippi at the Ole Miss Rebel Classic last weekend. Amy Harre, Kelly Creek and Krystal Stein earned Ole Miss Rebel Classic All-Tournament Team honors.
The Salukis bring a 0.41 ERA into the game, led by the senior Harre (1-1, 0.64 ERA), a three-time, first team all-MVC pitcher, and sophomores Ashley Hamby (1-0) and Cassidy Scoggins, who combined for a shutout against Ball State.
Offensively, Creek (.667), Stein (.500), Beck Wegmann (.400) and career home run leader Katie Jordan (.333) lead the Dawgs.
All of SIU's games will be scored live on Gametracker at www.siusalukis.com. The Southern Illinois game against Florida on Sunday will also be broadcast on www.gatorzone.com.
