SIUE Softball Qualifies for OVC Tournament

SIUE Softball Qualifies for OVC Tournament

May 6, 2024, 11:25 AM

With a pair of swift two-hit shutouts Saturday, SIUE softball has gained its position at next week's Ohio Valley Conference Championships in Peoria, Illinois.

SIUE defeated Morehead State 8-0 in five innings in both contests at Cougar Field. Kelsey Ray and Sydney Baalman each tossed two-hit shutouts, and the Cougar offense provided a walk-off hit in both contests.

"What we're just trying to do is build momentum going into the tournament," said SIUE Head Coach Ben Sorden. "We know what it's like to go through the tournament. I like that we're starting to peak at the right time."

SIUE also celebrated its four seniors before the game, honoring Jenna Herron, Kelsey Ray, Sydney Baalman and Grace Lueke.

SIUE's pitching was front and center. Ray struck out seven while Baalman fanned six in the nightcap. Sorden said the duo's demeanor on and off the field have been exemplary.

"Kelsey and Sydney are the biggest fans of their team," he said. "When they are not pitching, they both are the loudest in the dugout for their teammates. To have two people like that who lead in the circle and on the bench, it's a great thing."

In game one, SIUE collected six hits the first time through the lineup and wasted little time taking control. The Cougars tallied four runs in the first and two more in the second.

Paige Rocha and Lauren Yslava each had three hits for the Cougars. Maleah Blomenkamp and Jenna Herron each had two hits.

Rocha collected her 75th hit of the season in game two, breaking her own single-season record in the Division I era.

Herron provided the game winner in the bottom of the fifth as she singled to center field as Rocha raced home.

In game two, the Cougars rallied for six runs in the second inning. At one point in the inning, SIUE reached base on consecutive bunts by Piper Montgomery, Danielle Shuey and Kaylynn Salyers. After a Abby Harvell pinch ran for Montgomery, Rocha would bring home all three on a bases-loaded blast to left field.

Montgomery drove in two runs in the game with her second putting the Cougars up 7-0 in the third.

Emma Henderson provided the game winner in the bottom of the fifth. Lueke scored on a single up the middle by Henderson.

SIUE is now 18-32 overall and 10-16 in the OVC. Morehead State dropped to 11-28 overall and 5-21 in the OVC. The two teams meet once more Sunday with a 1 p.m. single game at Cougar Field.

The OVC Tournament starts next Wednesday. The full bracket will be announced late Sunday.

"All facets of the game came together this weekend," said Sorden. "I was happy to see we played defense. We pitched well. We hit well. We were aggressive on the bases. The short game was working. We hit the ball hard. I was happy to see them play our game."

PHOTO: Sydney Baalman, Kelsey Ray, Jenna Herron and Grace Lueke