Saturday, the SIU Softball team expected a slugfest with Indiana State in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship Game at Charlotte West Stadium. What instead happened was a explosion of offense. The Salukis had back-to-back five-run innings in the 2nd and 3rd innings. Meanwhile Madi Eberle tossed a five-inning gem, shutting the Sycamores out the first four innings to help the Dawgs run-rule the Trees in a 10-2 victory.
The Salukis claim their fourth MVC Championship on their home field and the third in the past seven seasons.
Eberle was named the MVC Tournament MVP. She totaled 23 innings while compiling a 4-0 record and 1.22 ERA while allowing just four earned runs, and five walks in the tournament. Joining Eberle on the All-Tournament Team were outfielder Elizabeth Warwick, shortstop Jackie Lis, and third baseman Rylie Hamilton.
Sunday the Salukis knew they were headed to the NCAA Tournament for the 14th time in program history but the question was where? It turns out the Salukis will head to the Salt Lake City Regional, hosted by 15-seed Utah. The Regional also includes Baylor and Ole Miss. In the most recent NCAA RPI rankings, all three programs rank in the top 35. In that same ranking, SIU came in at #90.
The Salukis will play Utah this Friday at 2:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and on a 103.5 ESPN.
