CARBONDALE, Ill. – Scoring three runs in the first and finishing with five in the fourth, Southern Illinois defeated the University of Evansville softball team by a 9-0 final on Friday at Charlotte West Stadium.
 
The Salukis opened with a 3-run first inning, highlighted by a 2-run shot from Addi Baker.  Jenna Nink picked up the first hit of the game for the Purple Aces in the second while Taylor Howe recorded a single in the third.
 
In the bottom of the third, the Salukis tacked on one run before erupting for five in the bottom of the fourth.  Emma Austin had a bases-clearing triple as SIU put the game out of reach.  Marah Wood reached on a bunt single in the fifth, but SIU was able to close out the 9-0 win.
 
Mikayla Jolly took the loss, allowing six runs in 3 2/3 innings of work.  Maddie Groff earned the win, throwing four shutout frames.  UE looks to get back on track on Saturday with a 2 p.m. game.