Boxscore:  PDF | HTM

Pre-Weekend Notes (PDF)
Live Stats | Arkansas (host)
Iowa State | Southern Miss
#19-Louisiana-Lafayette | Drake

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- For the second consecutive game, the Eastern Illinois softball squad was held scoreless, dropping their fourth straight game in a 3-0 loss to Midwest rival Drake.  That ends the Panthers' action at the Arkansas Razorback Invitational, where they fell to 6-7 overall and 1-4 over the weekend.

The lone EIU hits came via a bunt single by freshman outfielder Melise Brown and another single by senior outfielder Angie Danca.

"We didn't give our offense a chance today," said EIU head coach Kim Schuette.  "You have to put the ball in play for things to happen.

Drake won the game in the pitchers circle as the starting Bulldog thrower struck out 12 Panthers, while their hitters nailed four hits, including a home run, scoring three runs.

"Dordel threw a great game and made us look silly," said Schuette.  "We need to respond from this and grow from it.  It's back to work tomorrow."

Junior Amber May picked up her fifth loss of the season, striking out two and walking three.

"Playing these teams this weekend shows us where we want to go, and the focus, toughness, and composure it takes to get there and stay there," Schuette said.  "Our invite-opening win over Iowa State was a good one for us, while we had many, many, many opportunities to defeat Southern Miss."

Panthers return to play next weekend, with a tentatively scheduled game at Middle Tennessee State on March 17, followed by a double-header at Chattanooga the next day at 3 pm.

.... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID