Owls Stay Perfect in SLIAC with Doubleheader Sweep at Principia

Elsah, Illinois — Mississippi University for Women’s baseball team extended its winning streak in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) by sweeping a doubleheader at Principia College on Friday. The Owls improved to 11-8 overall and 5-0 in league play, while the Panthers dropped to 2-11 overall and 0-5 in SLIAC games.

The first game featured offensive fireworks, largely fueled by players from Alabama, who combined for 14 hits, 12 RBIs, and five home runs. Senior center fielder Matthew Windham, from Calera, Alabama, went 5-for-6, hitting two home runs and a double. He drove in four runs and tied his school record by scoring five runs in the game.

Windham’s key moments included a solo homer in the first inning, a two-run shot in the fifth, and a crucial bunt single in the seventh that helped rally the Owls. His RBI single in the eighth put MUW ahead, and the team held on to win 13-8. Freshman Jay Marbutt, from Haleyville, Alabama, went 3-for-5 with three RBIs. Zach Johnson, a senior outfielder from Birmingham, Alabama, scored three runs on a 2-for-4 effort with a double and two walks.

Relief pitcher Will Carter, who threw 3.1 innings, earned the win. He was supported by Josh Mackey and Johnson, who closed out the game. In the second game, MUW’s Zach Connell pitched seven strong innings, striking out eight and allowing only one run. Robby Canten finished with two hitless innings to secure the victory, 7-1.

O’Neil continued his hot streak with a second home run in game two, finishing 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Johnson added two hits and two RBIs, while Elliott Turbyfill contributed with a two-run triple. The Owls and Panthers will conclude their series Saturday at 12 p.m.

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