LAFAYETTE, La. - Eastern Illinois softball opened day two at the Mardi Gras Classic with a 4-0 shut out win over the Samford Bulldogs. The game was called due to rain in the top of the sixth inning, but the Panthers secured their second win of the season having scored all four runs in the first inning. EIU improves to 2-1 with two games left on this weekend's schedule.

The first inning started with a quick out for the Bulldogs as Kayla Bear grounded out to the pitcher. Monahan headed to the plated second for EIU and was walked by Samford pitcher Annalyn Yantis. Monahan stole second base and eventually scored off Haley Mitchell's double down the left field line. Maria DeVito and Megan Burton walked to fill the bases with Mitchell now on third base as Mady Poulter entered the batter's box. Poulter took advantage of the bases loaded hitting a triple down the right field line scoring Mitchell, DeVito, and Burton. Samford recorded outs on the next two EIU batters to end the first inning.

The Panthers finished the game with six total hits. Mitchell and Poulter each tallied two, while Bear and Jennifer Ames had one hit each. Poulter recorded a team-leading three RBIs and Mitchell tallied one for the Panthers.

EIU vs. Louisiana was postponed due to heavy rain in the area. Louisiana is leading 5-3 at the top of the fifth inning and is scheduled to resume tomorrow at 9 am. The Panthers will close out the Mardi Gras Classic at 10 am vs. Evansville.