The Eastern Kentucky Colonels were in full command Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Panthers 5-1 and dashed Eastern’s hopes for an Ohio Valley Conference tournament title.

Eastern fell behind when Eastern Kentucky managed to bring home four runs after Panther’s pitcher Stephanie Maday loaded the bases in the fourth inning. Another run in the seventh secured a victory for the Colonels.

Eastern opened the scoring in the first inning when Bailey O’Dell drove in Melisse Brown. After their quick start, Eastern put only one runner in scoring position for the rest of the match.

In the fourth inning with the bases loaded, Raquel Howes brought home the tying run. Eastern Kentucky piled on three more runners to advance in the competition.

“Obviously they had a big inning,” said Eastern coach Kim Schuette. “Howes is an outstanding player. I give my kudos to Raquel Howes, their second baseman. I’m not sure we’ve gotten her out very much in her career.”

Despite the deficit, the Panthers fought hard to sustain their season. Eastern’s third baseman Ashleigh Westover managed an excellent double play to take the pressure off relief pitcher Hanna Mennenga in the seventh inning. Westover dove forward from her spot at third to make the grab after an infield shot from Carissa Reisinger. Then the 5 foot 3 inch junior dove back to her right to tag the runner out at third.

However, Westover’s defensive work could not make up for the Panthers’ inability to score. Eastern managed only three hits.

After the loss, Eastern droped out of the OVC tournament and must now look to next season.

“We have a great team and as unfortunate as it is to lose our seniors, we still have a lot of good players coming back,” said Westover. “We just have to set our goals even higher and just make sure we keep doing what we did this year.”

The OVC tournament continues tomorrow with the championship match scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

Michael Spencer can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].