WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita State softball team saw their losing streak extended to 12 games courtesy of Southern Illinois, Sunday at Wilkins Stadium, 7-1. The game was the conclusion of the Missouri Valley Conference opening series for both teams.

An ongoing issue for Wichita State this season has been falling behind early and struggling to make comeback attempts late in games. Sunday was no exception when Allie VanBoncouer knocked in Haley Gorman with two outs in the first inning for the first of her three RBI's on the day. VanBoncouer scored right after on a double down the right field line by Jayna Spivey to put the Salukis ahead 2-0.

Southern Illinois (15-7, 3-0) pushed their lead to 4-0 in the third inning with a two-out two-run homer to center field by VanBoncouer.

One of the few bright spots for Wichita State (6-19, 0-3) came from junior Sammie Shook who collected her first home run of the season in the fifth inning off Saluki starter Alyssa Wunderlich. That was the lone blemish on a quality start from Wunderlich who pitched four and one-third innings for the win.

Wichita State takes off on a seven game road trip beginning with a doubleheader Wednesday at UMKC beginning at 1 p.m. followed by a Thursday doubleheader at Saint Louis University. The Shockers will then travel to Illinois State for their next Missouri Valley Conference series Saturday and Sunday.

-WICHITA STATE-