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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Eastern Illinois softball squad earned a Saturday split at the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Ala., downing Alabama State in a five-inning rout, before falling at tourney co-host UAB, 3-0. Panthers move to an even 3-3 on the early season.

In the 14-1 five-inning victory over Alabama State, the Panthers recorded 17 total hits as six different players had a perfect day in the batter's box, while the EIU squad finished with an amazing .630 team batting mark.

Freshman Morgan Biel led the way by going 3-for-3 and recording her first collegiate home run off a solo shot in the fifth inning.

Junior Amanda Bilina also blasted a home run in the win, going 2-for-2 on the day as she nailed a three-run bomb to mark her second career base-clearer.

Freshman Reynae Hutchinson and sophomore Melise Brown also finished 2-for-2 at the plate while fellow sophomore Abby Wood went 2-for-3. Meanwhile, Hutchinson, Brown, Wood and newcomer Ashleigh Westover all drilled a double in the win.

The rout over the Hornets marks the biggest Panther offensive output since 2007 when EIU crushed Alabama A&M, 18-1, in five innings as well. Ironically, that is also the last game that an Eastern squad has also nailed 17 hits in a game.

Freshman Stephanie Maday pitched three full innings and allowed no hits and just one walk to pick up her first career win, while sophomore Natalie Wunderlich finished the final two frames in relief.

Two runs in the first inning and a security score in the seventh would help lead UAB to the afternoon finale win over the Panthers.

Senior Melinda Jackson led the Eastern offense with a 2-for-3 plate appearance, followed by Hutchinson going 1-for-2.

Senior pitcher Amber May pitched the complete game loss to fall to 1-2 on the season as she retired three UAB batters off strikes and walked two. Unfortunately she also gave up three earned runs off six hits.

The Panthers continue tourney play on Sunday, as they are set to battle Stephen F. Austin and Indiana State at 9 am and 11:30 am, with both games to be played at Samford's Bulldog Softball Field.

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