Softball Set For Nashville OVC Road Trip

The EIU softball team heads to Nashville this weekend for doubleheaders against Belmont and Tennessee State.

Tweet #EIUBleedBlue

Game Notes

Panther Slap Hits:
Eastern Illinois heads back into OVC play after dropping their final non-conference game of the season to Illinois 9-7. With the loss, the Panthers fell to 15-24 on the season while maintaining a 9-6 OVC record. EIU heads to Nashville for a packed weekend featuring doubleheaders against Belmont on Saturday and Tennessee State on Sunday.

Five different Panthers recorded at least two hits against the Illini. Freshman Kayla Bear led the team going 3-for-5 at the plate. Bear's four putouts, three hits, and two RBIs combine for one massive day as all are new single-game highs for the young Panther.

Jennette Isaac had a tremendous day herself finishing the game with a perfect 1.000 on-base percentage. The senior outfielder recorded two singles and two walks in her four plate appearances. Isaac also recorded an RBI against Illinois.

The Weekend Batting Order:
Saturday, Apr. 23 • Belmont
12 pm • Nashville, Tenn.
Live Stats: belmontbruins.com
TV/Radio: OVC Digital Network
Last Meeting: 4/18/2014 (W, 3-1)

Saturday, Apr. 23 • Belmont
2 pm • Nashville, Tenn.
Live Stats: belmontbruins.com
TV/Radio: OVC Digital Network
Last Meeting: 4/18/2014 (W, 3-1)

Sunday, Apr. 24 • Tennessee State
1 pm • Nashville, Tenn.
Live Stats: tsutigers.com
TV/Radio: OVC Digital Network
Last Meeting: 4/18/2015 (W, 6-5)

Sunday, Apr. 24 • Tennessee State
3 pm • Nashville, Tenn.
Live Stats: tsutigers.com
TV/Radio: OVC Digital Network
Last Meeting: 4/18/2015 (W, 6-5)

Last Time Out:
EIU fell to Illinois in a mid-week non-conference game 9-7. The overcast afternoon game featured three lead changes, two Illinois home runs, and one come from behind win from the Illini. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for EIU.

Five different Panthers recorded at least two hits during the game, while six Panthers earned at least one RBI.

Panther Rankings:
In OVC games this season Jessica Wireman is third in wins and strikeouts thrown. Wireman has seven conference wins while throwing 73 strikeouts against OVC batters. Wireman remains first in the OVC with seven shutouts so far this season. The sophomore is currently tied for sixth all-time at EIU for shutouts in a season with at least 10 more games to play.

In OVC games this season the Panthers lead the conference in fielding percentage with .983. EIU has only committed seven errors in OVC games.

Scouting The Field:
EIU opens their Nashville weekend with a doubleheader against Belmont Saturday. The Bruins are 15-28 overall and 8-9 in the OVC still firmly in the postseason hunt falling at No. 7 in the conference.

The Panthers are 4-0 against Belmont all-time winning both home and away doubleheaders in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Lexi Rouse leads the Bruin bullpen in strikeouts with 55 while also being second on the team with a .316 batting average. The red-shirt sophomore has 14 RBIs and four home runs on the season.

Following Saturday's doubleheader the Panthers take on Tennessee State Sunday afternoon. TSU is currently 10-35 and 3-14 in the OVC with a doubleheader against SIUE before taking on EIU.

The Panthers are 40-11 all-time when facing the Tigers. EIU has won the last 12 games against Tennessee State.

Outfielder Courtney Gearlds leads TSU in multiple categories with a .345 batting average. Gearlds has recorded 41 hits, four triples, and 16 RBIs so far this season.

Looking Ahead:
Following this weekend's doubleheaders, the Panthers head to Edwardsville for their final road series of the season. EIU takes on SIUE in a three-game series starting Saturday [Apr. 30] at 1 pm.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#1 Jennette Isaac: OF; 5' 1"; Senior; L / L

#15 Jessica Wireman: P; 5' 8"; Sophomore; R / R

#3 Kayla Bear: OF; 5' 6"; Freshman; L / R

Players Mentioned

#1 Jennette Isaac
: 5' 1"; Senior; L / L
: OF

#15 Jessica Wireman
: 5' 8"; Sophomore; R / R
: P

#3 Kayla Bear
: 5' 6"; Freshman; L / R
: OF

Players Mentioned

#1 Jennette Isaac

#15 Jessica Wireman

#3 Kayla Bear

Players Mentioned

#1 Jennette Isaac

#15 Jessica Wireman

#3 Kayla Bear