Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Softball splits with UT-Martin, SEMO at round-robin
09/17/2011 | 12:00:00 | Softball
Sept. 17, 2011
By Megan Kramper
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois softball team opened its fall schedule as it split with UT-Martin and SEMO at Charlotte West Stadium Saturday.
The Salukis opened up play against the UT-Martin and dropped the decision 5-1 as they managed just three hits in the game while picking up a 6-1 victory in game two over the Redhawks.
"I was much more pleased in the second game and I thought we got a little shell shock in the first game and I give UT-Martin credit but I'm pleased really all the way around and especially with the pitching," Head coach Kerri Blaylock said.
After taking an early lead in game one, the Salukis failed to produce late in the game as the Skyhawks scored two runs in the third and fourth innings.
Taylor Orsburn had the lone RBI for the Salukis, while Mallory Duran-Sellers and Mackenzie Leding each added hits.
Pitcher Katie Bertelsen struck out six in the effort as she got the start in game one.
The Salukis rebounded in game two against SEMO as they took advantage of six Redhawk errors to pick up a 6-1 victory.
Meredith Wilson had a hit and two RBIs while Mackenzie Leding and Alicia Junker both went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Haley Gorman, Orsburn, and Duran-Sellers each had contributed hits in the game.
Pitcher Brittney Lang allowed just one run and struck out six as she pitched a complete game.
Blaylock said the Salukis have the opportunity in the fall season to mix up lineups and see where the team has progressed since beginning practice on September 1.
"The fall is about seeing what you have and making sure you give everyone playing time and talk about the mistakes you make," Blaylock said.
The Salukis are back in action Sept. 25 as they host part two of the round-robin as they host Lake Land, SIUE, and SEMO.
