Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Softball Opens MVC Play At Home Against Drake This Weekend
03/17/2005 | 12:00:00 | Softball
March 17, 2005
By Lou Antoine
SIUSalukis.com
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CARBONDALE, Ill. - Coming off a perfect 7-0 road trip, which extended its winning streak to nine games, Southern Illinois (15-7) will open Missouri Valley Conference play against Drake (8-7) at Charlotte West Stadium this weekend.
"It's great to be home after a long road trip. We'll be able to play in front of our own fans and family to open league play," a happy Kerri Blaylock, SIU head coach said.
"Our goal is to win all three. That may or may not happen, but that has to be your goal. People need to realize this conference is ten-deep and solid from top to bottom. There are no easy games or sure bets. When you go out there it's a dog-fight in the Valley."
The Salukis face a Drake team that started the season 8-1 before losing its last six games, including five losses to ranked teams Oregon, Oklahoma and Missouri. The Bulldogs are third in the Valley with a .285 average and 27 stolen bases.
"Coach (Rich) Calvert does a great job preparing his kids to try to create scoring possibilities. You know they'll play an attacking style when you face them. You have to try to keep them off base and pitch well or you'll have to really focus on the defensive side to get the job done," added Blaylock.
SIU won the FSU Invitational with a 5-0 record last weekend and swept Samford on Tuesday. The FSU Invitational title included wins over Troy (2-0, 10 innings), Maryland (3-1), Florida A&M (9-0), Georgia State (3-2) and #21 Florida State (4-0) in the title game. The Salukis beat Samford 1-0 and 11-0 in five innings to extend the streak to nine games.
"We're coming off a really good road trip and we're looking for the team to continue to play at a consistent level. I'm really happy that we know how to win a close ball game or at least know what to do to win a close ball game when times are tough," stated Blaylock.
The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday at 12 p.m. and the series finale at 12 p.m. on Sunday.
The Salukis will broadcast all three games against Drake via the internet and score the games live on Gametracker at www.siusalukis.com.
