Softball: SIU looks to stay undefeated in MVC

By Gus Bode
March 25, 2007

The SIU softball team will look to stay undefeated in the Missouri Valley Conference when it takes on Indiana State in a three-game series starting at 11 a.m. Saturday.

The No. 19 Salukis (24-6) finished a 4-0 week that included two no-hitters from senior pitcher Cassidy Scoggins and a win over Missouri.

SIU will likely look for a smoother road trip to Terra Haute, Ind., than an excursion earlier in the week. The trip to Evansville Tuesday brought about numerous problems including a flat tire, a detour and getting stuck behind bridge construction, which caused the game to be delayed.

Tri County Special Education. We are hiring paraprofessionals and health care aides. Apply now at WWW.TCSE.US.

“In conference, everyone comes out to get each other.” – Senior catcher Amanda Clifton

SIU coach Kerri Blaylock said the team is focused on getting ready for Indiana State.

“We know they have a good pitching staff, but we feel our hitting can neutralize their pitching and that’s what we hope happens,” Blaylock said. “It may be some low scoring games because they can pitch the ball pretty well.”

Two of the Sycamore’s best pitchers are freshman Meagan McCurdy and junior Darcy Wood. McCurdy is 7-2 with an earned run average of 1.22, while Wood has an ERA of 1.45 with 126 strikeouts.

Advertisement*

Senior catcher Amanda Clifton said the pitching will be tough, but SIU should perform well offensively.

“In conference, everyone comes out to get each other,” Clifton said. “They have good pitchers and some girls are hitting the ball well for them so we know that we will have to attack their pitchers early.”

Indiana State’s offense is led by sophomore infielder Meredith Simpson, who is seventh in the MVC with a .392 batting average. Sophomore Katie Armour has a .303 batting average and a team-high 18 RBI.

The Salukis will look to counter Indiana State with a pitching staff that has a team ERA of 1.47 with 220 strikeouts, including three no-hitters.

Blaylock can reach a milestone this weekend with 300 career victories. Blaylock said she does not want to focus on the record and believes the kids are the deserving ones.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know how many wins I had,” Blaylock said. “To me it’s a credit to the kids and assistant coaches that have been here. It is all about them. They play the game.”