The Eastern softball team opened up its season with two wins and a loss in the Georgia State Tournament. On Saturday the Panthers took the field against IUPUI in Atlanta, and beat them 3-0 in a pitchers duel.

Eastern ace Stephanie Maday pitched a complete game shutout while only allowing three hits and a walk. She also had seven strikeouts in the win.

The real surprise of the game would have to be freshman shortstop Bailey O’Dell. O’Dell finished the game with three hits in three at bats and a run scored.

“O’Dell had a great game and a solid weekend at shortstop,” head coach Kim Schuette said. “She came out of the gates ready to go. “

Sophomore Morgan Biel and junior Ally Seplak also had good games for the Panthers. Biel had a hit and scored her first run of the season, while Seplak finished the game with two hits and a run.

Even though it was not necessarily pretty, Schuette was happy to get the win.

“We were glad to get a W that first game out,” Schuette said. “It wasn’t pretty, but it was nice to find a way to score, get the lead early, and relax a little bit so we could start playing some better ball. We were very aggressive on the bases and caused some havoc for their defense, which is what we have really been focusing on lately in practice. Maday threw a great game one against a much improved IUPUI team.”

Eastern’s second game in the tournament took place on Sunday as the Panthers took on tournament host Georgia State.

This game was the low of the weekend for Eastern, as they were only able to accumulate one hit as a team, and ended up losing 7-0.

“Unlike game one, we found ourselves down early in the game because of several defensive miscues and fumbles,” Schuette said. 
Georgia State sophomore Kaitlyn Medlam twirled a gem, pitching six innings while only allowing one hit. She also finished the game with eight strikeouts.

Sophmore Hanna Mennenga took the loss for Eastern in her first start. She pitched four and one-third innings, giving up seven runs (five earned), nine hits and a walk. She also struck out four batters. Schuette was quick to point out that Mennenga pitched a lot better than it would seem.

“Mennenga threw a better game than the scorebook shows, but we didn’t help her out of the early hole we dug,” Schuette said.

Georgia State started the game of with five runs in the first inning, which was just too much for Eastern to overcome. Morgan Biel came up with the lone hit for Eastern.

The Panther’s third and final game took place Sunday afternoon against Chattanooga.

It was a tight game throughout, and when it was time to start the seventh inning the game was tied 4-4.

The inning began with Biel reaching base. She would eventually get around to third by the time that senior Hailee Hanna came to the plate. Hanna, who was pinch-hitting for Hayley Pieper, would have the chance to give her team the lead. Hanna won the at bat with a game winning RBI that plated Biel.

Schuette thoroughly enjoyed the game, and was excited to end the tournament on a high note.

“Game three was a great game to watch, play and win,” Schuette said. “UT Chattanooga has been a very strong softball team, and we competed for seven complete innings. This was a game in which we played a lot of players and several people contributed little things that did big things both on defense and offense. It was a good game to cap off the weekend and a good win to grab.”

Maday picked up her second win of the tournament with seven strong innings and six strikeouts. She also gave up four runs and walked two batters.

“Maday had a very good weekend overall. I was pleased with her and her approach and leadership out there,” Schuette said. “Just as she said, pitching against UTC and the things that happened in that game are going to make her a better pitcher this year and more prepared down the stretch.”

Biel continued her strong tournament play with three hits in four at bats, to go along with a run and walk. Her batting average for the tournament was .500.

“Biel had a real good weekend offensively for the team and that was about it,” Schuette said. “We hope to fix some little things this week that are going to make a big difference this weekend.”

Overall, Schuette was pleased with Eastern’s tournament play.

“It’s good to be 2-1 against those teams,” Schuette said.

“Most importantly, after our day off, I think our players and coaches are looking forward to practice and to fix some things. The hunger and drive for practice are back and that is what you want for a good team who has big goals,” Schuette said.

Erik Jensen can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].