March 24, 2015

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Coming off its first MVC series win at Bradley over the weekend, the Missouri State softball team (14-14) revisits the state of Illinois for a midweek non-conference game at SIU Edwardsville (23-6) on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. The Cougars defeated the Bears, 3-1, on the second day of the season at the Louisiana Tech Invitational, in Ruston, La.

Redshirt sophomore Mary Stephens racked up her second 5-for-5 game in the span of 10 days, doing so in game two at Bradley on Saturday. No other MSU hitter had a five-hit game in the previous 27 seasons.

Sophomore hurler Erin Struemph picked up both wins in Peoria over the weekend. She pitched a career-long 8.0 innings in the win on Saturday, piling up a season-high nine strikeouts. In her win on Sunday, she struck out a batter for her 26th-consecutive appearance.

Senior Chelsea Jones nailed down the save on Sunday, retiring both hitters she faced with the bases loaded. It was her second save of the season. Jones ranks 38th in the nation with the two saves while Struemph is fourth in the country with five saves on the year.

The Bears defense has been stout for much of the season. MSU turned a pair of double plays on Saturday to up the team's season total to 15 on the season. Missouri State ranks 13th in the nation with a 0.54 double plays per game rate.

SIUE has joined in the support of MSU softball player Allie Alvstad's journey. The Cougars are holding a Be A Match bone marrow donor registration drive this week and at the game on Wednesday.

Following Wednesday's game at SIUE, the Bears will return to conference play with a three-game set at Indiana State beginning on Saturday. The Sycamores will also show support for Allie's Journey by collecting donations at this weekend's series.

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