Skip To Main Content

Upcoming Events and Recent Results

Western Illinois University Athletics

KZ
Sarah Ritter

Week Five Preview: Let the Road Trip Begin

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Western Illinois softball will play nine games in nine days over spring break.

The Weekend Schedule
  • Friday, March 10, 9 a.m. – Green Bay
  • Friday, March 10, 2 p.m. – Southern Illinois
  • Saturday, March 11, 3 p.m. – Middle Tennessee State
  • Saturday, March 11, 5:30 p.m. – Appalachian State
  • Sunday, March 12, 12:30 p.m. – Middle Tennessee State
Where | Blue Raider Softball Field – Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Social Media | Instagram & Twitter (@WIUSoftball)

Matchup history: The Leathernecks and Green Bay Phoenix have played one another 32 times in program history, dating back to a 9-0 home victory on April 11, 1986, to open the series. Both teams did match up earlier in the season with Emily Price allowing just four hits in a complete game victory that ended 4-2 in favor of Western Illinois. Against the Salukis, WIU holds a 35-26 record across 61 total matchups; the teams haven't played many games in recent years, with just three matchups in the past 10 seasons.
 
The all-time history between Western Illinois and tournament hosts Middle Tennessee State isn't long, with just three games played – all Blue Raider victories. There was one matchup in 2010 before the teams played on back-to-back days in the 2021 season, falling 3-2 and 1-0 in Murfreesboro. The Leathernecks and Appalachian State Mountaineers have never matched up, making Saturday's game a first for both programs.
 
Players to Watch:
Bella Alvarez has been a steady contributor in the Western Illinois lineup this season, as the junior infielder holds a .357 batting average that is a top-10 mark among hitters in the Summit League. She currently leads the team with seven extra-base hits thanks to four doubles, one triple and two home runs, while slugging a team-high .643. On Sunday (March 5), Alvarez doubled against Bradley and hit a home run in Western's game against No. 25 Wichita State, leading off the second inning with a solo shot to left.
 
The team-leader in total chances, Malorie Gill holds a perfect fielding percentage across 40 plays in the Leatherneck infield. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year at Murphysboro High School, Gill has played in every game to start her collegiate career, making 12 starts in 17 appearances and recorded the first RBI of her career with a double against Lindenwood on Feb. 26.

Cynthia Hull continues to put in quality performances for the Leathernecks, and that work was rewarded over the weekend with the first starts of her collegiate career against No. 25 Wichita State. With a perfect fielding percentage on 12 total chances, Hull singled in the second game to bring her average on the season to .333 which is tied for third-best on the roster.

Having already set a personal-best mark for innings thrown in a single season, Emily Price continues to put in strong performances for Western Illinois this season. With a 2.37 ERA, Price ranks fifth among pitchers in the Summit League for ERA while her four complete games are tied for third-most. Against Wichita State on Sunday, she threw another complete game while allowing six hits and two runs (two earned), striking out five Shockers in a game that went to extra innings. Price has also maintained a perfect fielding percentage through the first 17 games of the 2023 season.

What's next: 
The spring break trip continues with more games during the week next week, as the team will play a doubleheader at Tennessee Tech on Tuesday (March 14) before playing single games against Murray State on Wednesday (March 15) and Illinois on Saturday (March 18).
 
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Now Playing:

Related Stories