No. 16-ranked Southern Illinois University Edwardsville showed Southwest Baptist some Cougar hospitality.
         SIUE, 17-5, dispensed of the Bearcats 9-0 in five innings in both games of a Tuesday doubleheader at Cougar Field. The Cougars did not let a one-hour rain delay bother them against Southwest Baptist, 1-13.
         RyAnn Spann (Bethalto) and Missy Koenig (Mapleton) both hurled a one-hitter with Mary Heather White (Pulaski, Tenn.) finishing off both games without allowing a baserunner in the fifth inning.
         Freshman Holly Neuerberg (Orion) drove home three runs in the opener. Koree Claxton (Rantoul) added a two-run homer.
         SIUE scored six runs in the second inning. All were with two out.
         In the nightcap, Jenny Esker (Steeleville) improved her season batting average to an impressive .463 with a grand slam home run in the second inning. It was Esker's fifth home run of the season. She now has a team-leading 19 RBIs.
         The Cougars are now idle until Saturday when Bellarmine invades Cougar Field for a noon doubleheader. Both teams are 4-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and will be looking to take sole possession of first place.
                  -siue cougars-