Katie Schmidt has wasted little time adjusting to her starting spot in the SIU lineup.

The junior outfielder has seen significant time in the field since senior left fielder Tiffanie Dismore sustained a broken jaw. Schmidt has taken advantage as she is currently on a three-game hit streak.

In 31 games played this season, Schmidt is batting .259 with five doubles, four home runs and seven stolen bases. She will look to continue her streak as the Salukis hit the road for a weekend series against the Drake Bulldogs.

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Despite Schmidt’s recent success, she wasn’t always sure playing collegiate softball was for her.

“I actually wanted to play softball but it was one of those things where I was looking at volleyball too,” Schmidt said. “But after coming here and meeting (coach) Kerri (Blaylock) and seeing what they had, I knew I wanted to come here.”

Schmidt saw limited time as a freshman in pinch-running situations and made four starts in the outfield. She finished with 18 total at-bats, five hits, and was 12-for-13 in stolen bases during her freshman campaign.

She saw more action in her sophomore season, starting in 18 games with 17 hits and two home runs.

Schmidt said she has seen a change in her game since taking the starting role and is constantly trying to prove herself.

“I think I’ve seen a change in everything,” Schmidt said. “I’ve worked after practice with (catcher) Jayme (Wamsley) in the outfield working on line drives and my hitting has definitely improved.”

Her improvement showed Wednesday when she hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh to pad the Salukis’ score for a 2-0 victory over Evansville.

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Coach Kerri Blaylock said Schmidt has grown as a player while helping fill the void left by Dismore. Freshman Chelsea Held has also had playing time in left field with Dismore’s absence.

When the Salukis heard Dismore would be out for up to six weeks, Schmidt said she had a discussion with Blaylock on the possibility of grabbing a starting role but was still on a day-to-day basis as to whether she would be starting in left field.

Blaylock said Schmidt provides comfort at the plate and can rely on her to perform in the bottom of the order.

“If you can have somebody in that role who can hit a ball 260 feet, that’s pretty good,” Blaylock said.

Schmidt’s time in the field could be challenged as Dismore was released to play Wednesday. Schmidt said she isn’t sure if her starting position is in jeopardy but isn’t concerned about it.

Dismore, who could see mostly pinch-hitting or pinch-running situations during the weekend, said Schmidt has adapted well to her role without hesitation.

“She definitely stepped in and stepped up when she needed to,” Dismore said. “And she’s still doing a good job.”

Megan Kramper can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 256 or [email protected]