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MARTIN, Tenn. -- A late-game comeback by Eastern Illinois softball came up short as the Panthers were swept by UTM Martin via a walk-off, three-run homer, 4-7.  The loss gives the Ohio Valley Conference leaders the three-game weekend series over the Panthers.

The loss drops Eastern to 20-21 on the year and 10-7 in conference action.  The host squad improved to 35-7 and held onto the top spot of the OVC standings at 14-3, while EIU fell from a pre-weekend tie for second-place.

Senior Megan Nelson and freshman Melise Brown each slapped their way to a 2-for-4 day at the plate, leading all Panthers.  Junior Kiley Holtz connected for an RBI double, while fellow classmate Melinda Jackson registered an RBI single of her own.

Sophomore pinch-hitter Ashley Anderton added to the EIU team hitting with her clutch two-run single, while Hailee Hanna added another hit as the Panthers finished with eight with UTM nailing nine.

EIU got on board in the second frame, taking the game's first lead at 1-0 as Holtz's double got things going.  Andi Morgan, pinch-running for Holtz would then come home via a hit up the middle by JAckson.

UTM would score twice in their half of the second to retake the lead, adding another run in the fourth.

The Panthers would plate another run in the fifth as Brown touched home from third base via a fielders choice off the bat of Holtz.

Down 4-2 heading into the top of the seventh, EIU would score two runs off two hits as the Panthers loaded the bases thanks to two walks and a single by Hanna.  With two outs, Anderton would then bring home Jen Saucier and Denee' Menzione to tie the game at four-apiece.

With two runners on, UTM standout Megan Williams would fire a three-run bomb over the left field wall to ruin the Panthers' come-back bid.

Junior thrower Amber May fell to an even 12-12 on the year with the complete game loss, as she struck out and walked two Skyhawk batters. 

EIU had several chances to upset the OVC leaders, but in the end would strand nine base runners to just two for UTM.

The three-game weekend loss by EIU is the second sweep by an OVC opponent, as Morehead State recently took all three games off the Panthers, with both coming on the road.

EIU will now look to snap a four-game losing streak as they travel to regional rival Indiana State this coming Thursday afternoon at 3 pm.  Then the Panthers will host Austin Peay a three-game OVC weekend series.

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