Jones throws complete-game shutout in first collegiate start

Friday, February 12

Hammond, La.

1:00 PM

Southern Illinois University

1-1

Nicholls State

1-0

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Nicholls State	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	2	3	3
Southern Illinois	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0

02/12/2016 | 12:00:00 | Softball

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Feb. 12, 2016

By John Lock
SIUSalukis.com

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HAMMOND, La. - The Southern Illinois softball team started the 2016 season by splitting a pair of games at the Lion Classic. Freshman pitcher Brianna Jones threw a complete-game shutout in the 3-0 win over UT martin in the season opener. Nicholls State won the second game, 2-0.

Both of SIU's starting pitchers were outstanding and dominant at times on opening day. True freshman Brianna Jones took the ball for the season opener and threw a complete-game shutout in her first collegiate start. Sophomore Savanna Dover allowed only two runs in her own complete game, and she became the first Saluki with a 10-strikeout game since 2013 (Brittany Lang).

"They did a great job," head coach Kerri Blaylock said of the pitchers. "Brianna set the tone right away, throwing a lot of strikes. She worked the hitters for UT Martin the way we wanted to. We played really good defense. Savanna Dover had a few walks, but they didn't hurt us. She had 10 strikeouts; she pounded the zone. It was a game we could have won. We didn't play as well as we wanted to offensively, but both pitchers did great."

Expectations are high this season for freshmen pitchers Nicole Doyle--who is out until March recovering from an injury--and Jones. But can you expect a six-hit shutout in Jones' first career start?

"With her, I can," Blaylock said. "She's that kind of kid. She's a competitor, and so are Savanna and Nicole (Doyle). We feel we have a really good pitching staff."

Jones and Dover led a group of young Salukis with great opening days. Freshmen Hanna Stam, Hanna Porter and Eyrika Brandenburg all made their debuts in Saluki uniforms, and all three picked up their first career hits. Brandenburg's first career hit was the first run and first RBI for the Saluki offense in 2016, giving the team a lead it wouldn't relinquish.

"The freshmen didn't play like they were freshmen," Blaylock said. "No moment was too big for them."

While Southern's pitchers allowed only nine hits (eight singles) in 14 innings, the SIU hitters managed only eight hits (seven singles) on the day. Southern Illinois made several loud outs in the 3-0 UT Martin win, but Nicholls State pitcher Hannah Haydel hit her spots throughout the second game and limited SIU's offense to 4-for-21 hitting while striking out seven.

"The second game, a little bit, we were watching the game and letting it come to us instead of attacking," Blaylock said. "Our mentality kind of changed. But it's early. We have a good group, and I was pretty pleased overall."

The Salukis are back for two more games on Saturday, facing Mississippi Valley State at Noon and host Southeastern Louisiana at 2:30.

NOTES: SIU posted a shutout win in the season opener for the sixth time under head coach Kerri Blaylock (2000, 03, 05, 06, 08 16)...Kelsey Gonzalez extended her reached base streak to 20 games, dating back to last season...Savanna Dover had a career-high 10 strikeouts, the first SIU pitcher with a 10-strikeout game since Brittany Lang in April 2013...SIU won its season opener for the seventh time in the last nine seasons.