Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis host Illinois for single game on Wednesday.
03/22/2011 | 12:00:00 | Softball
March 22, 2011
By Megan Kramper
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - After a hot start to the conference season, the SIU softball team will host non-conference Illinois in a single game on Wednesday at Charlotte West Stadium.
The Salukis are coming off a 3-0 start in MVC play, as they swept the Wichita State Shockers over the weekend.
Game time for the Fighting Illini and Salukis is at 4 p.m.
Game Information
Southern Illinois Salukis (16-9, 3-0 MVC) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (11-12, 0-0 Big Ten)
Radio: Available through Game Central at SIUSalukis.com with play-by-play with Patrick Erickson, color by Johnny Sole.
Video: Available through Game Central at SIUSalukis.com
ON DECK: ILLINOIS
Last time they met: in Champaign on April 21, 2010 in a 9-1 loss in six innings, where the Fighting Illini were ranked No. 18/19 in the country. Illinois leads the all-time series 5-1. The Salukis welcome the University of Illinois in a single game on Wednesday. The Fighting Illini are 11-12 coming into the match up and have lost the last 7 of 9, which includes loss two losses to No. 13 Missouri and one loss to No. 4 Washington. At the plate, Meredith Hackett leads the Illini with a .387 batting average with 22 RBIs, five home runs and leads the Big Ten in doubles with nine. Pepper Gay is the leading hurler for Illinois, with a 2.68 ERA and a 6-7 overall record. In 75.2 innings pitched, she's recorded 70 strikeouts and opponents are batting .229 off the sophomore pitcher.
SALUKIS SWEEP SHOCKERS TO OPEN MVC PLAY
The reigning Missouri Valley Conference regular season champions dominated opening weekend with a sweep of Wichita State in Carbondale, Ill. on Saturday and Sunday. The Salukis shutout the Shockers in 21 straight innings as they did not allow a single run all season. It was the first time the Salukis swept the Shockers in the conference series since 2001.
DURAN CONTINUES DOMINANCE
Junior outfielder Mallory Duran continued her all-around dominance for the Salukis as she extended her hit streak to 13 games during the Salukis' spring break. Has recorded a hit in every game since facing Iowa on Feb. 27 in Fort Myers, Fla. She leads the MVC in runs scored (25) and is sixth in the conference in batting average (.377)
GORMAN THE GREAT
The junior shortstop held a .500 batting average (6-for-12) over four games and recorded a hit in each of those games extending her hit streak to nine games. Gorman was the bright spot in the Salukis loss to No. 13/17 Missouri, as she went 2-for-2 in the effort. In opening weekend of MVC play against Wichita State, Gorman went 4-for-10 while contributing a double, triple and four RBIs. She also had nine total bases with a .750 slugging percentage and a .538 slugging percentage for the week.
GLOSSON SHINES ON THE MOUND
Glosson, the reigning MVC Pitcher of the Year highlighted opening weekend of league play with as she went 16 scoreless innings against Wichita State, helping the Salukis sweep the three game series. The senior ace held a 0.82 ERA over the week, where she allowed just three runs against No. 13/17 Missouri on Wednesday and shutout the Shockers twice over the weekend series. In 22.0 innings pitched this week, Glosson struck out 17 while holding opponents to a .145 batting average and earning two complete game shutouts and one save while improving to 10-5 on the season. She also currently leads the league in innings pitched (109. 2), wins (10), appearances (23), and is sixth in ERA (2.17).
