The Panther softball team traveled to Birmingham, Ala., this past weekend to compete in the Samford Scramble against the Mercer Bears and host Samford Bulldogs.

In what was a great weekend of games, Eastern ended up beating Samford twice (4-1, 3-1), and losing to Mercer twice (2-0, 9-6).

In the Panthers’ first game of tournament play on Saturday, they defeated the Samford Bulldogs in a well-played game, 4-1.

Sophomore ace Stephanie Mayday was once again brilliant. She pitched a complete game while only allowing one run on three hits and five walks. She also struck out nine batters. This was Maday’s third win in the young season. 

All Maday needed to win the game was a couple runs of support, which she received in the first two innings.  Sophomore Morgan Biel singled Ashleigh Westover to the plate in the first inning. In the second inning, Brooke Owens drove in freshman shortstop Bailey O’Dell for the teams second run in as many innings.

For the game, O’Dell continued her good play at the plate going two-for-three with an RBI and two runs scored. Morgan Biel also had another solid game, going two-for-three at the plate with an RBI, run scored, and two stolen bases.

Eastern’s second game of the day did not go as well for the team, as the Mercer Bears shut them out with a final score of 2-0. 

Sophomore Hanna Mennenga got the start for Eastern and went four innings. She gave up two runs on three hits and surrendered two walks. She also struck out six Mercer batters. 

Eastern was not able to get much going offensively in the game and were only able to record three hits. Mercer’s Jessica Holsinger pitched a brilliant game, going the full seven innings and allowing no runs.

Eastern’s first game on Sunday was a rematch against the Mercer Bears. It proved to be an extra innings classic that was both exciting and heartbreaking, with Eastern losing 9-6 in eight innings.

The Panthers led the game 5-2 until the sixth inning, when the Bears exploded for three runs to tie the game.

In the top of the eighth inning, Mercer put four runs on the board, most of them coming on a three run homer. Eastern scored in the bottom of the inning when freshman Bailey O’Dell drove in Melise Brown, but were unable to do any further damage. 

“The extra inning game could have gone either way with a call in the eighth and we definitely had our chances on offense in the sixth and seventh,” Coach Schuette said. “It will be easier next time.” 

Reynae Hutchinson took the loss on the mound for Eastern after going 2.2 innings in relief. Stephanie Maday started the game for the Panthers and went five innings while giving up five runs (four earned). She also allowed five hits and five walks, while striking out seven batters.

The Panthers last game of the tournament took place Sunday afternoon against the Samford Bulldogs in a rematch of Saturday’s game.

With the heartbreaking loss to Mercer on their mind, the Panthers came out swinging and scored three runs in the first inning. Head Coach Kim Schuette was very pleased with the team’s resiliency. 

“I’m pleased to see our team bounce back after that three hour extended game and score right away in the first inning of the next game,” Schuette said. 

Morgan Biel continued her hot start to the season and plated Melise Brown to start the game.  Bailey O’Dell was then able to double in Carly Willert and Reynae Hutchinson, which was all the run security the Panthers needed to win the game.

Hanna Mennenga earned her first victory on the mound for Eastern by going the complete seven innings and only allowing one run. She also struck out six batters while only walking one.

Overall, Coach Schuette was impressed with her team’s play last weekend.

“We had two solid wins with good aggressive base running,” Schuette said. “Sunday was a much better day than Saturday with our bunting and overall offensive approach and that’s what we wanted.”

The Panther softball team is now 4-3 on the season. They have been the runners-up in two tournaments. Their next game will take place in Starkville, Miss., as they will compete in the Mississippi State Classic.

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