SIU softball game against Hofstra canceled

Members of the softball team celebrate on Apr. 12 after freshmen Sydney Jones hit a double during SIU’s 3-2 loss to Drake University. The team currently has a five game losing streak.

By Austin Miller, @AMiller_DE
February 20, 2016

The SIU softball team’s final game of the Four Points Softball Invitational against Hofstra has been canceled.

John Lock, associate sports information director, said Hofstra agreed to cancel the game outright instead of forcing the Dawgs to forfeit after several players and coaches became ill during the course of the team’s trip in Florida. The first person became ill Thursday night, the same day they left for the tournament.

He said the illnesses were stomach related, with several players vomiting. Catcher Jessa Thomas did not play in any of the Salukis’ three games in Fort Myers, and utility Jessica Heese sat out of Saturday’s 6-5 loss to host Florida Gulf Coast. Their illnesses left SIU with one remaining offensive substitute.