Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Emily Williams Named MVC Player of the Week; Also Earns D1Softball Mid-Major POTW
03/17/2026 | 4:00:00 | Softball
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - For the first time this season and the second time in her career, junior Emily Williams of the Southern Illinois University softball team has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, as announced by the league on Tuesday.
Williams was also named the D1Softball Mid-Major Player of the Week, becoming the second Saluki this season to receive both honors (Sydney Potter, Week 1).
In Southern Illinois' three-game sweep of Bradley, the junior posted a .750 batting average, 2.250 slugging percentage, four home runs, 10 RBI, and four runs scored. Williams' 2.917 OPS and 18 total bases led the team.
Williams homered in all three games and had two in SIU's 15-0 (5) win against the Braves in game two. The Louisville, Ky., native posted at least three RBI in all three appearances.
After going 3-for-5 across the opening two games of the series, Williams finished off the weekend with a 3-for-3 performance that also saw the junior go deep once and tally three RBI.
Williams last received MVC Player of the Week honors on April 14, 2025.
The Salukis are 16-9 overall and 5-0 in Valley play entering a weekend series at Illinois State which begins with a doubleheader on Friday at 2 p.m.Â
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