CARBONDALE, Ill. – Indiana State softball had their six-game MVC win streak snapped on Saturday as the Sycamores fell 5-1 to the Salukis on a windy afternoon at Charlotte West Stadium to open up a three-game series.
 
The Sycamores (17-15, 6-1) managed just three hits in what was a pitcher's duel for much of the ballgame. Southern Illinois (25-5, 7-2) used a three-run fifth inning to get past Indiana State in the series opener.
 
Lexi Benko started in the circle for the Sycamores and struck out five across 5.1 innings of work, allowing two runs on seven hits. Hailey Griffin took the loss for ISU, allowing three runs in relief. SIU's Madi Eberle threw a complete game and struck out four.
 
Indiana State struck first in the contest, going up 1-0 in the top of the fifth on a Kaylee Barrett double off the wall in left center which scored Cassie Thomerson. Annie Tokarek led off the frame with a double to end SIU's no-hit bid. SIU answered in the bottom half of the frame with an RBI double followed by a two-run home run to left field to go up 3-1.
 
In the bottom of the sixth, the Salukis added a pair of runs on single down the left field line to make it a 5-1 game. Benko got her fifth strikeout to retire the side.
 
Cassie Thomerson was hit by a pitch in the top of the seventh but that would be the Sycamores lone baserunner in the inning as SIU closed out their 5-1 victory to open the weekend series.
 
Olivia Patton had the Sycamores third hit, an infield single in the sixth inning.
 
The series concludes on Sunday, April 2 with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. ET at Charlotte West Stadium.
 
For the latest information on Sycamore Softball, be sure to visit GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.