WATCH

MACOMB, Ill.- The Western Illinois softball team (16-25, 8-1) finishes up its 2018 home slate with a three-game series against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (29-12, 8-3).  The first game in the series will begin on Saturday (April 28) at noon, followed by the second game. The final game of the 2018 home slate will be on April 29 at 11 a.m.

SUPERHERO DAY: The WIU softball team will be honoring Reid Brewer in celebrating #NationalSuperheroDay by conducting a home run derby after the conclusion of the second game on Saturday. To be able to participate in the home run derby, each participant is required to make a donation of their choice to the Reid Brewer Foundation to help build an accessible park for children.

SENIOR SEND OFF: Sunday (April 29) will be senior day for the 2018 Leatherneck seniors. Brooke Stulga, Kelsey Marlow, Rachel Beatty and Sam Ralphs will each be honored pregame for their effort and dedication to the Leatherneck Softball program.

LAST TIME OUT: The Leathernecks dropped a pair of contests to Mizzou on Wednesday afternoon, 7-0 and 2-0. Brooke Stulga made her first start of the season against the Tigers and was impressive in the circle. She turned in a complete game, while only giving up a single earned run and four hits. WIU was able to get runners on the bath paths in the first game of the doubleheader but had a tough time manufacturing runs as they fell 7-0. Western Illinois only recorded three hits in the contest as Ashley Minyard, Halle Hollatz and Payton Abbott logged hits for the Purple and Gold. WIU could not get its bats going behind Stulga's impressive performance in the circle in game two. The Leathernecks recorded just four hits against the Tigers, who rank No. 22 in the nation in RPI and boast the nation's toughest strength of schedule.

TOURNAMENT TIE-INS: The Leathernecks boast an 8-1 record in Summit League play so far this season after series sweeps of South Dakota and Fort Wayne, while also winning the series against Omaha. South Dakota State sits in second place at 8-3 in the league, while the North Dakota State Bison round out the top-3 with a 5-2 record. This weekend is important for seeding in the Summit League Championship tournament on May 8-12 because of the current standings in Summit League Softball. 

EFFECTIVE EMILY: Emily Ira has been dealing in the circle this year, only giving up 25 hits during league play (38.1 innings). She has been incredibly accurate, tossing strikes on 71.5% of pitches. She has thrown 1,029 strikes to 410 balls.

ON DECK: The Leathernecks finish their regular season slate in Fargo, N.D. (May5-6) against North Dakota State before continuing in Fargo for the Summit League Championship (May 8-12).