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

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For the second straight day, Eastern Illinois softball earned an Ohio Valley Conference split as the Panthers topped the host Golden Eagles in a late-game 5-4 comeback, before dropping a six-inning nightcap, 10-2.

With the consecutive split, the Panthers now own a 20-9 overall mark and even 2-2 record in early-season league action. TTU, meanwhile, improved to 9-24 (1-6) as the second game win helped the home team snap a nine-game losing streak following the first game defeat.

For the series, senior Carly Willert led the EIU hitters for the second straight game, as she finished 3-for-5 at the plate with an RBI, sac bunt, stolen base, and two assists.

Junior Hannah Cole paced Eastern with three RBI off two hits, including her fourth homer of the season and five total bases, as senior Reynae Hutchinson connected on the eventual game-winning two-RBI double in the Sunday afternoon opener.

In the opening contest, the host Eagles enjoyed an early 3-0 advantage, but Cole's two-out bomb over the left field fence helped the Panthers get on the board in the top of the fourth. But Tech would pad their lead to 4-1 in their half of the same frame.

Then in the top of the sixth, Willert got things going with a sac bunt RBI to plate senior Morgan Biel from third. Then with bases loaded, Cole's RBI shot to left would bring home sophomore Jennette Isaac to make the score 5-3 with just one out.

That's when Hutchinson delivered her ultimate winning shot to score Willert and classmate Brooke Owens, who had reached base earlier after being hit by a pitch.

Pitcher Stephanie Maday would earn the win in relief for starter Hanna Mennenga. The senior duo would combine for 10 strikeouts in the game with five apiece, as well as a walk each. Maday didn't allow a TTU hit or run to improve to 8-4 in the circle.

The win marked the second one-run, come-from-behind victory in early-league action, as EIU stranded just two runners as compared to eight for the Golden Eagles. Tech did out-hit the Panthers, nine-to-six, while both squads committed a pair of errors in the opener.

The host squad once again jumped ahead in the nightcap, leading 3-0 following two frames, before adding three runs via the long ball in the fourth.

However, EIU would again make things interesting as the Panthers plated a pair of runs in the top of the sixth. However, four additional scores in the sixth would give the Golden Eagles the mercy-rule, 10-2, win.

Maday was unfortunately tabbed for the loss as she pitched nearly four full innings, adding five additional strikeouts and a trio of walks. Freshman Hannah Rachor saw her second action in the circle of the season, coming in relief to secure her first K of her career.

TTU would again lead EIU in hits (10-to-four), and stranded runners (six-to-two), while EIU committed a pair of miscues.

EIU will now prepare for a mid-week non-conference single-game versus regional foe Valparaiso this Thursday (March 27) as the Panthers will finally open the home portion of their schedule. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at Williams Field.

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