April 16, 2008

Carbondale, IL (UWIRE) -- After unexpectedly spending a few days off, the SIU softball team will return to action today for the start of a seven-game home stretch.

The Salukis will begin their home stand with a doubleheader today at 3 p.m. against Evansville and will also look to expand their win streak to a season-high nine games.

The last time the Salukis (23-15, 9-3 MVC) saw competition was April 9 when they faced Evansville on the road. A weekend series at Drake was canceled because of snow showers.

Senior shortstop Becky Wegmann said it was nice to get a few days off for players with aches and pains to rest but the team sometimes struggles when it comes time to head back on the field.

"Any time you can take two days off in the middle of a long season it's awesome," Wegmann said. "But at the same time we are a rhythm kind of team and when everything is flowing it's hard to get a few days off."

Coach Kerri Blaylock said weather is uncontrollable but it becomes frustrating when it costs the team a weekend series.

When the two teams met April 9, pitcher Danielle Glosson threw a complete game shutout while only allowing three hits. A home run by junior outfielder Katie Schmidt along with an RBI by sophomore outfielder Katie Wilson helped put the Salukis on top 2-0.

Junior Katie Wagner said coming off a weeklong break will challenge the team to regain focus but the Salukis need to come ready to play.

The Salukis haven't lost a game since March 27 when they dropped a 9-1 decision against Eastern Illinois. The pitching rotation has thrown four straight shutouts during that streak with 27 consecutive scoreless innings, tying a school record.

Blaylock said she is looking for two good performances from Glosson and freshman pitcher Nikki Waters today, but doesn't need one pitcher on the staff to carry the load.

"I don't feel like I've got a number one or a number two (pitcher)," Blaylock said. "I feel like we've got two starters that I can throw out there at any time and (junior Katie McNamara) is a great closer."

Blaylock said having the veteran McNamara ready to close out games helps round out a strong rotation in the circle.

The Salukis will host Creighton beginning with a doubleheader Saturday and closing with a single game Sunday. They will also honor five seniors after the conclusion of Saturday's doubleheader.

(C) 2008 Daily Egyptian via UWIRE