CARBONDALE, IL ? After being shutout in both games of a doubleheader yesterday against the Salukis, the Sycamore softball team showed signs of improvement this afternoon in game three of the series.  The Sycamores tallied four hits and committed zero errors but another solid pitching outing from the Salukis ended in a 2-0 loss for Indiana State.

The one hour and seventeen minute game saw many three-and-out innings for both teams.  In fact, four of the six innings the Salukis were at-bat, Sycamore pitcher Meagan McCurdy threw to only three batters a piece before each inning came to an end.  Similarly, Saluki pitcher Nikki Waters held the Sycamores to three separate three-and-out innings. 

With little action occurring for either team, the bottom of the sixth inning saw the Salukis Lauren Haas hit what turned out to be the game-winning 2-RBI double to right field.   

Meredith Simpson tallied two singles in the game which increases her team-leading hit total to 26.  Katie Armour and Reva LeDune also hit singles off of Waters.  McCurdy (5-8) struck out 5 while walking none in the 2-0 defeat.

The sixth-straight loss drops the Sycamores record to 9-19-1 overall and 2-9 in the Missouri Valley Conference.  Beginning this coming Tuesday, the Sycamores hope to take advantage of playing host to five different teams in the next two weeks.  The University of Dayton visits Price Field on Tuesday for a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 4:00 p.m.