Eastern’s softball team improved its overall record to 20-15 and its conference record to 10-6 after its series sweep of Ohio Valley Conference foe Tennessee State.

The Panthers have been on a roll as of late as they have won their last five games. They have also picked up a victory in seven of their past eights games. 

Junior outfielder Melise Brown led Eastern at the plate against Tennessee State. For the series, she hit for an average of .538 and recorded seven hits in 13 at bats. She also scored four runs and drove in five RBIs.

Senior catcher Hailee Hanna proved to be a force at the plate. She recorded three hits in six at bats with an RBI. Sophomore first baseman Reynae Hutchinson continued her strong streak of good games in the batters box. She recorded a .400 batting average and drove in two runners in the weekend series. 

The middle infield combo of Carly Willert and Bailey O’Dell were also very effective at the dish. Willert went four-for-10 in the weekend series, driving in three big RBIs. O’Dell, who has been the catalyst for the team at the plate, recorded a .333 batting average with three runs scored and a walk.

Easterns’ pitching was once again lights out. The sophomore tandem consisting of Stephanie Maday and Hanna Mennenga combined for an ERA of 1.33 in the three game series. Maday went 2-0 for the weekend, pitching 14 innings and only allowing three runs (two earned) on eights hits and six walks. She also recorded six strikeouts. Mennenga was once again consistent in her outing. She picked up a win after going seven innings and only allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks. She also recorded six strikeouts. 

Easterns’ next game will come this Tuesday against Indiana State at Terre Haute, Ind. The first pitch will be thrown at 2 p.m. 

Head Coach Kim Schuette and her Panther team are really enjoying themselves on the field and hope to continue their hot streak.

“We are taking one day at a time and they are enjoying the game, each other, and each opportunity,” Schuette said.  

The Panthers will likely send ace Stephanie Maday to the mound for the start. Maday is 11-8 for the season with an ERA of 1.93. In 134.1 innings pitched, she has recorded a team-high 123 strikeouts. She has also thrown a team-high 11 complete games.

Indiana State has struggled so far this season, and will enter Tuesday’s contest with an overall record of 13-22. They have a Missouri Valley Conference record of 1-11. They will likely give Lindsey Beisser the start on the mound. Beisser is 6-13 this season with a 2.02 ERA. In 128.1 innings pitched, she has struck out 123 batters and only allowed 46 walks.

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