Panthers outslug MVC-leading Salukis in a 6-5 victory at Robinson-Dresser

Friday, April 18

Cedar Falls, Iowa

5 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

25-14, 0

Southern Illinois

25-16, 0

Southern Illinois

Northern Iowa

Photo by: Ellie Marmie

Panthers outslug MVC-leading Salukis in a 6-5 victory at Robinson-Dresser

4/18/2025 7:31:00 PM | Softball

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UNI softball hands SIU its second conference loss of the season in a 6-5 victory.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — In a game packed with big swings and tense moments, the UNI Panthers came out on top, taking down Missouri Valley Conference leader Southern Illinois, 6–5, on a chilly but electric night at Robinson-Dresser Sports Complex.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After SIU jumped ahead early with a solo home run in the first inning, the Panthers responded with disciplined at-bats as Paige Peterson drew a bases-loaded walk with two outs in the second to bring home Kate Lappe and tie the game.

The momentum shifted UNI's way in the third when Lappe launched a two-run homer over the wall, followed immediately by a solo shot from Katelyn Callahan—back-to-back bombs that gave the Panthers a 4-1 lead.

Southern Illinois roared back with three runs in the top of the fourth to knot things up at 4-4, but UNI answered in the bottom half with a solo home run from Skylar Benesh, her sixth of the season.

The Salukis tied it again in the sixth with their third homer of the night, but Ava Smithson came through in the clutch for UNI. With one out in the bottom of the sixth, she ripped an RBI double into the gap, scoring Makenna Kuper from first to give the Panthers a 6-5 lead.

The seventh brought more drama, as SIU loaded the bases with two outs. UNI's defense held strong, shutting the door to preserve the win.

BY THE NUMBERS

Anna Wischnowski picked up her 14th win of the season in relief, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and no runs allowed. Lappe led the way offensively for the Panthers with two RBIs.

UP NEXT

UNI and SIU will close out the series tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.

UNI softball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Softball), X (@UNISoftball), and on Instagram (@unisoftball). The 2025 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.