Western Illinois Splits Opening OVC Doubleheader Against Southern Indiana

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Western Illinois Leathernecks split their doubleheader against Southern Indiana on Saturday, securing a 4-2 win in Game 1 before falling 3-2 in Game 2 at the USI Softball Field.

In the opener, Western Illinois (5-12, 1-0 OVC) put together a strong offensive performance, collecting 11 hits. Payton Brown led the charge, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Maria Luna also chipped in with an RBI double. The Leathernecks capitalized in the fifth inning, plating two runs to break a scoreless tie. Lillie Wools (1-0) came in for relief and earned the save, tossing three scoreless innings with one strikeout.

Game 2 saw a tougher challenge for WIU, as the Leathernecks managed only four hits. They struck early with a first-inning run, but Southern Indiana responded with three runs across the middle innings. Despite a late rally in the seventh, WIU fell just short. Kaylee Ketcherside had a hit and a run, while Brown added another base knock. Lillie Wools (2-4) took the loss, surrendering three earned runs in four innings.

The Leathernecks will return to action on Sunday as they face Southern Indiana once more, looking to take the series in the final game of the weekend.

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