BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Haley Mitchell hit her second home run in the Runnin' Bulldog Tournament in the top of the first inning to tally two RBIs and give the Panthers a quick 2-0 lead over rival Western Illinois. EIU defeated the Leathernecks with a 4-0 shut out win to finish the weekend's play 5-0.

The Panthers improve to 7-3 on the season while WIU falls to 2-7.

Michelle Rogers pitched a complete game on the mound improving to 3-2 on the season. She tallied six strikeouts and only gave up three hits to the Leathernecks.

EIU added two more runs in the top of the sixth inning to seal the deal. Mady Poulter opened the inning with a triple to right center. Mia Davis and Breya Cooper each hit a double to left center. Cooper's double drove in two runs to give the Panthers a 4-0 lead ultimately leading to their fifth straight victory.

Mitchell and Poulter finished the weekend batting .500 each with 14 at bats and seven hits. Mitchell led the team with two home runs, three doubles, and 10 RBIs. Poulter recorded two triples, two RBIs, and seven runs.

The Panthers return to action next weekend at the UT Chattanooga Frost Classic. They will open play on Friday Feb. 23 at 10 am vs. Western Michigan.