CHARLESTON, Ill. -- The Lady Govs softball team was limited to one hit Saturday, in its opening game of a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series against Eastern Illinois, with the Panthers defeating Austin Peay, 7-0.

The second game was suspended in the top of the eighth inning, with the Lady Govs leading 5-3.

Austin Peay (14-31, 6-12 OVC)  junior Tiffany Smith singled on the first pitch of the game, but little did anyone know that would be the only base runner the Lady Govs would get, as Eastern Illinois (21-22, 11-7 OVC) pitcher Amber May retired the next 21 batters she faced in picking up the complete-game victory.

The Panthers on the other hand had no such problems early on, with Melise Brown opening the first inning for EIU by getting on when Lady Gov catcher Amy Mills made a high throw to first base on a bunt in front of the plate.

Brown would then steal second in get into scoring position, which was followed by Megan Nelson drawing a walk.

Denee Menzione followed with a double to drive in Brown, while Kiley Holtz drove in Nelson and Menzione to give EIU a 3-0 lead after one inning.

The Panthers would add their final four runs of the game in the second inning on a grand-slam home run by Holtz, as the third baseman finished the opener with six RBI.

Weather permitting; the two teams will conclude the suspended game Sunday at noon, before finishing the three-game OVC series with the regularly scheduled game.

--AP--