After a disappointing loss in a rain-shortened game Friday, the Eastern softball team bounced back to take two of three from Tennessee State this weekend at William’s Field.

The Panthers (14-16, 6-7 in the Ohio Valley Conference) took advantage of Tennessee State (9-35, 3-11) mistakes and were able to get a little more consistency in their hitting in the two victories.

“We did a good job of putting pressure on them,” Eastern head coach Lloydene Searle said. “We were hitting the ball solid and getting it out of the infield to generate some runs.”

In the first game, the Panthers got off to an early start by putting in two runs in the first inning off a two RBI double from the bat of junior designated hitter Jen Green.

Eastern took a commanding 4-1 lead into the top of the fifth inning when rain began to fall. The weather held off just long enough for the Tigers to pile on four runs in the frame to take a 5-4 lead. The Panthers were unable to put forth any more offense before the game was canceled due to lightning and rainy conditions.

Junior Kristen Becker (8-8) took the loss for Eastern while Shannon Hicks (5-13) took the win for the Tigers.

Game 2, which was originally scheduled for Friday, looked as if it was going to be a slug-fest early on. The Tigers got two runs in the top of the first inning from a two- run homer from catcher Deanna Miller.

The Panthers answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the first to keep the score close. Becker took over the game and the Tigers ended up beating themselves with five errors including three in the sixth inning.

“That has kind of been our nemesis this season,” Tennessee State head coach Joyce Maudie said. “We have had our ups and downs. The only thing we have been consistent with is our inconsistency.”

In the rubber match, sophomore pitcher Trish Sanders (4-6) dominated the Tiger hitters and controlled a no-hitter through four innings on her way to a a five hit 4-1 victory.

“Trish has been working really hard and has been showing improvement,” Searle said. Searle also gave credit to junior catcher Kristin Darnell. “To every good pitcher, there is a good catcher behind her.”

Eastern next hosts Southeast Missouri State (8-20, 5-8) at 2 p.m. Thursday at Williams Field. The Panthers took two from the Otahkians in a doubleheader on April 9.