Before taking a step onto Charlotte West field, the Salukis have already received respect via their nonconference scheduling.

Much like the men’s basketball team, the SIU softball team has been struggling to earn respect from the bigger conferences around the nation – a string of four straight NCAA tournament appearances rivals only the Saluki men’s basketball team.

If the 2007 spring schedule is any indication, the Salukis are starting to garner national attention – SIU has been invited to play in two major tournaments.

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The Crown Plaza Classic on Feb. 16 to the 18 should prepare the team to take on some of the highest ranked softball teams in the nation. At the tournament, the Salukis will take on Louisiana State University, Indiana University and the University of Houston.

SIU will also play the University of North Carolina, Auburn University and the University of Michigan at the NFCA Leadoff Classic on Feb. 23-25.

In the final poll of the 2006 season, the Wolverines were ranked 12th in the nation while Auburn narrowly missed a spot in the top 25.

SIU head softball coach Kerri Blaylock said the tournaments are a result of earned respect.

“We’re getting to play some of the top teams in the nation, even though it’s on a neutral field,” Blaylock said. “Games against LSU, Michigan and so forth will help us down the line with our RPI numbers.”

Close losses to highly regarded teams can be helpful based on SIU’s 2006 season.

The Salukis were narrowly defeated by 10th ranked Arizona State University, 2-0, last season. Despite the loss, the Salukis took a 34-9 regular season record toward a fourth consecutive postseason berth.

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Senior pitcher Cassidy Scoggins said teams around the nation have been respecting SIU more and more each year.

“It’s unbelievable to take on teams like LSU and Michigan because of their national recognition,” Scoggins said. “I think they’re nervous about playing us because they have more to lose.”

In their final nonconference game before their Missouri Valley Conference schedule begins, the Salukis stop at the University of Alabama-Birmingham to play the Blazers, a game Blaylock said will be the final tune-up for the Valley season.

“Games like that will really help us get ready for the conference season,” Blaylock said. “It’s not a home-and-home deal, but playing our tough nonconference schedule gets us ready for our conference play.”