In their last home games of the season, UTM took on the Eastern Illinois Panthers in a double-header on April 28.
The Skyhawks got off to a slow start in game one that they would not be able to bounce back from. During the top of the first inning, Melise Brown, scored a run; the Skyhawks were unable to answer with a run of their own until the bottom of the sixth.
Sophomore Kelsey Dixon, sent the ball sailing over the fence at center-right field giving Dixon the first home-run of her career. Although the Skyhawks were able to put a run on the board, they would not be able to score another run in the first game.
The Skyhawks fell to the Panthers 2-1 in game one.
In game two, the Panther’s first hit was a home-run by Brown. Again, it took several innings for the Skyhawks to find their strength. Although several players were able to take bases, UTM would remain scoreless until the fourth inning.
Leah Taylor, was the first up to bat in the fourth inning and would lead the Skyhawks off with a single to the left side allowing her to take first base. Taylor then stole second. Kenzi Tate, was walked, allowing her to see first base as well.
Catcher Deven Wilson chose to bunt the ball and received an out. The bunt did, however, allow enough time for both Taylor and Tate to advance. With Taylor at third base, Kayla Wade, was up to bat. Wade sent the ball to the middle, allowing Taylor to score the first run of the game.
Lauren Smith, was next up to bat. Smith was able to bring home Tate and send Wade to third base.
The Panthers’ efforts would prove to be futile throughout the remainder of the game as the Skyhawks prevented them from scoring. UTM ended game two with a final score of 2-1 over EIU, defeating the number one team in the OVC. With this win, the Skyhawks secured their place in the OVC tournament.
