CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.  – Rachel Anderson went 3-for-4 with a RBI and Sarah Messex finished at 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBI as Southeast Missouri (32-12) fell to longstanding rival Southern Illinois (27-10), 9-3, Tuesday in midweek action at the Southeast Softball Complex.
 
Messex launched her fifth home run of the season to left field to pull SEMO within a run (4-3) in the bottom of the fourth inning, but that was as close as the Redhawks would get in the 94^thmeeting between these teams.
 
SIU answered with a home run in each of the next two innings to stretch its lead to 8-3. Ashley Wood hit a two-run home run with two outs in the fifth and Kyleigh Decker hit a solo home run as part of a two-run sixth inning.
 
The Salukis put one more run on the board when Wood walked and came around to score with the help of a throwing error.
 
Brianna Jones (18-6) picked up the win in relief. Jones struck out three, walked one and gave up two runs on two hits in 4.2 innings.
 
Haley Thogmartin (14-5) took the loss. Thogmartin worked two innings allowing four runs on four hits.
 
SIU recorded 10 hits for the game with Megan Brown and Jordan Spicer leading the way with two apiece.
 
The Redhawks had seven hits, including a combined five from Anderson and Messex. 
 
Both teams left seven runners on base.
 
SEMO returns to action Wednesday when it hosts Saint Louis in a seven-inning contest beginning at 4 p.m., CT.