CARBONDALE, Ill. – Two 9-run innings by Southern Illinois saw them pull away for a 20-3 win over the University of Evansville softball team on Saturday at Charlotte West Stadium.
 
Evansville jumped on the board in the top of the first.  Alexa Davis' leadoff triple was followed by a Zoe Frossard walk.  With two outs, Brooke Voss stepped to the plate and launched a 3-run home run, her fifth of the season, to put the Purple Aces in front.
 
Following a scoreless bottom of the first, the Salukis erupted for nine runs in the second.  Elizabeth Warwick and Sidney Jones each had 2-run hits in the frame as SIU took control.  They added two more runs in the third and nine in the fourth to clinch the 20-3 win.
 
Sydney Weatherford made the start for UE, allowing nine runs in two innings.  Madi Eberle gave up three runs on two hits and kept the Aces hitless after the first inning.  Jones and Kiana McDowell recorded three RBI apiece to pace SIU.
 
Sunday's series finale begins at 12 p.m. in Carbondale.