Over the weekend the Eastern softball team improved its record to 10-10 (2-3 conference) overall with a sweep of the Morehead State Eagles.

Eastern played nine games in nine days over spring break, going 5-4 overall. Things will stay busy for the Panthers in the upcoming days as they play nine games in the next 12 days.

The Panthers’ bats have really come to life the past six games, as they outscored their opponents 28-8 over that stretch.

Freshman shortstop Bailey O’Dell continues to be the constant at the plate for the Panthers. She is hitting .413 for the season with three home runs, 13 RBIs and 13 runs scored. She has also walked four times in the young season.

Junior Melise Brown has really ramped up her play at the plate as of late. So far this season she is hitting .276 with a home run, seven RBIs and eight runs scored. She has also walked five times and been hit by pitches four times.

Morgan Biel and Carly Willert have also had strong seasons at the plate. Biel is hitting .250 for the season with six RBI’s and five runs scored. Willert has started each game the Panthers have played this season. She has six RBIs and five runs scored.

The Panthers have been consistent on the mound all year, partially thanks to the stellar play of sophomore ace Stephanie Maday. Maday has a 7-5 record for the season with a 2.45 ERA. She has already thrown 68.2 innings in the short season, and has struck out 67 batters while only walking 40.

Heartland College transfer Hanna Mennenga has had a strong debut season for Eastern. She has a 3.73 ERA in 41.1 innings pitched. She has a 3-3 record this season and has struck out 34 batters while only walking 15.

Over the next couple weeks the Panthers will have a pair of conference series. They will take on SIU-Edwardsville at Williams Field this Thursday at 4 p.m. This will be their first home games of the year. They will play a doubleheader, then finish the series final game on March 29 in Edwardsville.

On March 31 they begin their series against Murray State at Williams Field, where they will play a doubleheader. They will play the final game of the series on April 1 at Williams Field.

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