West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University secured a narrow 4-3 victory against Southern Indiana in an Ohio Valley Conference softball game on Sunday at the USI Softball Field. This win marks a significant achievement for the Leathernecks, improving their record to 6-13 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

The team made a strong start, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding one run each in the second and third innings. Senior Kaylee Ketcherside was pivotal to this offensive effort with three hits and one run scored. Lillie Wools contributed two RBIs, including a decisive sacrifice fly, while Maria Luna added an RBI double.

Southern Indiana (4-13, 1-2 OVC) responded with three runs in the second inning through two hits and a walk but failed to score further as Western Illinois' pitching took control. After starter Kaitlyn Green allowed three earned runs over 1.1 innings, freshman Libby Spaulding stabilized the situation by pitching 3.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts and just one hit allowed. Wools completed the game with a two-inning save, allowing only one base runner.

Defensively, Western Illinois committed only one error while recording eight assists. Cynthia Hull led with five putouts and two assists at infield positions, supported by Luna's six putouts at first base.

This victory clinches Western Illinois' first-ever conference series win since joining the Ohio Valley Conference. The Leathernecks aim to maintain this momentum against St. Louis University on Wednesday at 2 PM in Macomb, Illinois.

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