Game 1 Boxscore (PDF) | Game 2 Boxscore (PDF)

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Eastern Illinois softball split day one play at the season-opening UIC Rosemont Rumble on Friday (Feb. 7), as the Panthers dropped a tough 4-3 game to the host Flames before holding on for a 9-7 win over IUPUI.

In the first game loss, EIU held a late 3-2 lead over UIC, but a walk-off two-run double by the tourney host squad in the bottom of the seventh would burn the Panthers for the loss.

"We had some first game jitters today," said new head coach Angie Nicholson. "In general we just left too many runners on, especially in the first game when we only had two hits. That's not gonna win games."

Eastern rebounded in the second contest as the Panthers erupted for an early 9-0 lead over the I-70 rival Jaguars, before holding for the 9-7 win to move to 1-1 on the year.

In the win over IUPUI, six different Panthers tallied at least one hit, as senior infielder Ashleigh Westover finished with a 2-for-3 game at the plate behind a pair of RBI. Sophomore outfielder April Markowski also had two hits.

"We came out swinging in the nightcap as I think the nerves were gone," said Nicholson. "We played good defense and our base running was great, while Janele (Robinson) also threw well. I figured we were okay with a 9-0 lead, but instead we finished the game back on our heels and let them back into it. Very unfortunate."

Outfielders Haylee Beck and Jennette Isaac, in addition to designated hitter Brooke Owens and catcher Hannah Cole all delivered a hit as well in the victory, with Cole and Issac both adding two additional RBI.

Senior Janele Robinson earned the win in the circle behind five strikeouts and just three walks. She surrendered three walks, eight hits and four earned runs, however. Classmate Hanna Mennenga came in for a couple innings of relief.

The Jags actually led Eastern in hits, 14-to-8, but also committed four miscues to just one for the Panthers. IUPUI also doubled up the Panthers in runners left on base via an eight-to-four advantage.

"We had lots of good things happen in the second game," said Nicholson. "We just need to have more energy and enthusiasm and learn how to put people away."

In the opening contest with the Flames, senior infielder Carly Willert and Cole secured the lone hits for the Panthers, as four UIC errors helped the Panthers plate several runs, while Cole drilled an RBI triple.

Senior Stephanie Maday was tagged for the loss in the circle despite throwing five Ks in the complete game, as UIC out-hit EIU, nine-to-two.

"April (Markowski) played great defense in right for us," Nicholson added. "Again we played good defense, but we just couldn't push the runs across for (Stephanie) Maday."

For the day, Westover and Markowski both secured .333 batting marks, while Cole led with a trio of RBI shots. Markowski and Cole also secured a stolen base, while Owens and Willert both delivered sac flies.

Tourney play continues on Saturday as the Panthers are set to face instate rival Illinois at 11:30 a.m., which will then be followed by a rematch versus the Jaguars of IUPUI at 2 p.m.

"We learned a lot about ourselves today and hope to come out better from those experience the rest of the weekend," Nicholson said.

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