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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Despite enjoying an early 4-0 lead, the Eastern Illinois softball squad dropped a tough road game to regional rival Indiana State on Thursday as the Sycamores plated five consecutive runs to scratch past Eastern, 5-4.

The Panthers have now lost five straight to fall to 20-22 on the year.  The Sycamores, who are currently in last place in the Missouri Valley Conference, improved to 17-26.

With the win, ISU continues the recent streak between the two I-70 rivals where the host team earns the win.

The loss ruined a nice day at the plate by EIU junior Kiley Holtz, who finished 3-for-4 with an RBI.  Senior Denee' Menzione and sophomore Ashley Anderton also hit well, going 2-for-3 at the plate with Anderton knocking in two runs off a key double.

Menzione also had a good base-running performance, as she earned two bag thefts to add to her season total of four steals.

The Panthers scored three runs in the second frame as Holtz earned a single, followed by a two-out hit from junior first base Melinda Jackson.  That's when Anderton stepped up to the plate and delivered her two-RBI shot to center field, scoring both Monica Strube, who pitch ran for Holtz and Jackson.

Freshman Ally Seplak added to the Panther runs by bringing home Anderton from second base via her single to left field.

The visiting squad then earned one more run in the next inning as Menzione ripped a shot up the middle and then proceeded to earn her first steal of the day.  With two outs, Holtz would bring Menzione home thanks to a nice shot to right centerfield.  The Indiana State squad would get out of the inning with two Panther runners left on base.

After freshman Hailee Ray relieved ace Panther thrower Amber May in the third inning, the Panthers would eventually allow the Sycamores to get back into the game, as trees erupted for five runs in their half of the fifth inning, all with two outs.

Consecutive singles, including a one-run shot, followed by a walk would lead to a two-run double by the ISU squad, with two more scores coming via yet another hit.  Fellow freshman Natalie Wunderlich would take over for a struggling Ray in the circle and get the Panthers out of the inning with a strikeout.

The Panthers had one last chance to turn things around in their half of the final inning, as Menzione earned a walk-up walk.  After she earned her other steal of the game, she advanced to third base off a ground out by Holtz.  Unfortunately, a strikeout by Panther pinch hitter Amanda Bilina would end the game and any possibility of a comeback bid.

The two EIU freshman throwers combined for three strikeouts and two walks, while Ray picked up the loss via her 2.2 innings of work to fall to 2-3 on the year.

The Panthers actually lost despite out-hitting the Sycamores, 10 to seven.  However, EIU also ended up stranding eight baserunners as compared to just two for Terre Haute squad, as the game was error-free.

Besides Holtz, Menzione, Anderton, Jackson, and Seplak, senior Angie Danca also ripped a single.

The Panthers will next host Austin Peay in a three-game OVC weekend series, starting with a Saturday doubleheader at 1 pm, unfortunately rainy and stormy weather is in the forecast for most of the weekend.

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