Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Southeastern Illinois College
Salukis continue fall ball schedule with Saturday doubleheader
09/27/2019 | 3:03:00 | Softball
Southern hosts Southeastern Illinois (12 p.m.) and Maryville (2 p.m.) on Saturday.
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Saluki softball team is back in action Saturday, Sept. 28 with a fall ball doubleheader against Southeastern Illinois College (12 p.m.) and Maryville University (2 p.m.).
The Salukis are coming off a pair of wins over Lake Land College and Murray State last weekend. Southern banged out 13 hits in the doubleheader sweep, including a pair of home runs, and outscored its opponents, 14-0.
"We faced some better pitching and I was really happy with how our hitters made some adjustments after their first times through the lineup," head coach Kerri Blaylock said. "Making those types of adjustments is something that Jen (Sewell) works really hard with our hitters on and I thought they did a nice job of that."
Southern's pitching this fall, particularly this past weekend, has been nothing short of superb. The Salukis have yet to allow a run in 25 innings and have surrendered just 12 base hits- all but one of which have been singles. Sarah Harness and Claire Miller both looked sharp in extensive starts in the wins over Lake Land and Murray State, respectively.
"I thought Sarah and Claire both threw really well," Blaylock said of last weekend's wins. "I'm ready to see Carlee Jo Clark and Holly Marousek get some action this weekend."
While the fall season's results and statistics don't count, it provides Blaylock and her staff with an opportunity to see how their squad responds to the adversity that arises within a typical game. It also allows them to utilize their entire roster and try out different variations of their lineup.
"I am happy with how we are playing," Blaylock said. "I'm glad we are playing well and that we have played with a lot of energy. We have literally been able to use all 18 kids, which is phenomenal."
Southern's depth has been on full display throughout the fall season. All 18 Salukis have played significantly, with all 15 of its hitters having had at least two at-bats and all four pitchers have thrown at least an inning. 10 of SIU's 15 hitters have multiple hits and 13 of Southern's 15 hitters have scored at least one run.
"We've been built on unselfishness," Blaylock said of her team's depth. "If we can have kids buy into that and understand that everybody has a role and can be a contributor, then the beauty of it comes out in a Maris Boelens, who gets a game-winning hit in a NCAA Regional game. Those are the moments where you know it works. We talk to the kids about being unselfish and the game will pay you back. I feel like our depth on this year's team is as good as any team that I've had. It's going to be about keeping kids happy, finding them at-bats when they need them and keeping them engaged."
Saturday's festivities kick off with the Salukis versus the Southeastern Illinois Falcons at 12 p.m. before Southern and Maryville tangle at 2 p.m.
