Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Softball finishes fall season 6-2
10/07/2014 | 12:00:00 | Softball
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois softball program wrapped up its fall schedule with a 6-2 record. The Salukis went 2-2 on their opening weekend before sweeping the final two weekends in the fall schedule.
"We put our kids in a lot of different positions, and they came through every time," head coach Kerri Blaylock said. "I don't think we used our true starting lineup once this fall, and they still went out, battled and made big plays in big situations. That's how you get six wins."
Once again, SIU played one of the most DI-heavy schedules in the country. Southern played five games against DI schools, including a trip to Indiana, where the Salukis swept the Hoosiers and Butler.
"We've always believed in growth through challenge, so we play more Division I programs that most do during the fall," Blaylock said. "Our kids are great about looking at our schedule as an opportunity, rather than a challenge, and they took advantage of the opportunities this fall."
Southern's 6-2 record this fall is especially impressive considering SIU lost five starters from last year's 28-win squad. The 2015 squad responded with a team effort. Three different pitchers picked up fall wins, and all 12 position players who got at least 10 at-bats knocked in at least one run.
"There are a lot of position battles going on," Blaylock said. "With the five seniors that we lost, there are opportunities for players to step up. The competition for those spots has been fierce; and as a result, I think we'll be a team with great depth this spring."
SIU will announce its spring schedule late this week.
