WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita State softball team defeated Southern Illinois 5-4 on Sunday afternoon at Wilkins Stadium.

Liz Broyles went 2-for-4 at the plate with a double and Ali Vandever went 2-for-3 and knocked in one run. Paige Mason went 1-for-3 with a homer and two RBI.

 The Shockers picked up an early 2-0 lead in the first inning off of a two RBI home run by Paige Mason after Williams drew a walk to get on base for Wichita State.

Southern Illinois responded in the second inning, hitting back-to-back doubles to cut the Wichita State lead, 2-1, before tying the game on a Shocker error.

The Salukis took the first lead of the game in the third inning, hitting a two RBI home run to right center to take the 4-2 lead.

Liz Broyles hit a double to left center to put the Shockers in scoring position, scoring on a RBI single by Ali Vandever to cut the Salukis lead, 4-3 heading into the fourth inning.

Jenni Brooks replaced Katie Malone in the fourth inning after Malone allowed eight hits and four runs, striking out three in three innings.

Vandever hit a leadoff double down the left field line, advancing to third on a single up the middle by Johnson. Macklin Hitz came up big for Wichita State, hitting a two RBI double to center field to give the Shockers a 5-4 lead.

The Shocker defense made three good plays in the top of the seventh to back-up Brooks and to seal the victory for Wichita State.

Brooks grabbed the win, pitching four innings of relief, allowing no runs on two hits to move to 4-2 on the season.

The Shockers will head to Normal, Ill. on Saturday, May 3 as they begin their final regular-season series of the season. Games are at 12 at 2 p.m. on Saturday with the final game slated for 12 p.m. on Sunday.

-WICHITA STATE-