Game #1 Box:  PDF | HTM
Game #2 Box:  PDF | HTM
Series Stats:  PDF

MARTIN, Tenn. -- A two homer performance by Denee' Menzione wasn't enough to help the Eastern Illinois softball squad at Ohio Valley Conference leader UT Martin on Saturday, as the Panthers dropped a 3-1 and 4-1 twin bill to the first place Skyhawks squad.

The senior right fielder secured the lone Panther runs on the day as she knocked solo bombs in both the first and second games to increase her EIU career high homer total to 26 and finish with an impressive 4-for-5 day at the plate.

The two EIU losses move the squad to an even 20-20 on the season and 10-6 in league play, while the league leading Skyhawks improved to 34-7 overall and 13-3 in conference. The UTM Saturday sweep of the Panthers snapped a four-game losing streak to the Panthers as EIU took all three meetings in 2009.

Four more Eastern players earned at least one hit as freshman Melise Brown added her fourth career double and sophomore Hailee Hanna connected for two singles. Meanwhile, newcomer Ally Seplak and senior Angie Danca each registered a single, as EIU was ultimately out-hit 14-to-9 in the doubleheader.

Junior thrower Amber May picked up the first game loss, going the distance to fall to 13-11 on the year but not being adding three strikeouts and just one walk to her season total. Freshman pitcher Natalie Wunderlich was tabbed for the second game loss behind her four innings of work, while classmate Hailie Ray came in for two innings as the twosome combined for five strikeouts and just one walk.

The home squad blasted three homers of their own, as well as two doubles on the day, as UTM out-hit EIU .298 to .196, but also stranded 10 base runners as compared to seven for the Panthers. The Skyhawks also nabbed the lone two stolen bases in the twin bill.

The Panthers will look to salvage at least a one game victory when the two squads complete the weekend series with a Sunday afternoon single game at 1 pm.




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