CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University's softball team scored seven runs in the first two innings versus Eastern Illinois, Wednesday, on its way to an 8-7 win over the Panthers, at Cheryl Holt Field, before dropping the nightcap, 12-0.

The triumph was the Lady Govs' first OVC-opening victory since 2008 when they defeated then-conference member Samford, 6-4, while the win also ended a 12-game losing streak.

The Lady Govs (2-13, 1-1 OVC) took advantage of some early wildness by EIU starter Michelle Rogers, who didn't record an out in facing five batters, as she gave up a double and a single to Chandler Groves and Laurel Burroughs, respectively, to open the game, followed by back-to-back walks to Christiana Gable and Niya Sparks.

Burroughs and Sparks both reached base four times in the contest, with Burroughs going 3-for-3 – including her 100th career hit – and being hit by a pitch, while Sparks had a single and three walks.

Vinchenza DiBenedetto was hit by pitch, scoring a run, to end Rogers' day. Bu Panthers (6-12, 1-1 OVC) reliever Hannah Rachor was greeted with an RBI single from Mel Pavel before hitting Allie Blackwood with the bases loaded, making it 4-1.

The Lady Govs added three more runs in the bottom of the second inning, all coming on a Niya Sparks' home run – her third of the season – to go up 7-1.

The score would remain that way until the top of the fifth inning when EIU's Bailey O'Dell blasted a three run homer to cut APSU's lead to 7-4.

Katie Watson and Taylor Miokovic picked up Panthers' RBI in the top of the sixth to make it 7-6, but Austin Peay answered back in the bottom of the inning with an important tally, produced by Pavel's sacrifice fly, making it a two-run game, 8-6.

The Panthers threatened in the top of the seventh, scoring a run on a passed ball, and have the tying run at third, but reliever Heather Norris got Tori Johnson on strikes to end the game.

Blackwood (1-2) picked up the win, her first collegiate victory in four decisions, while Norris earned her first career save.

In Game 2, Eastern Illinois scored four runs in each of the first, fourth and fifth innings for all their scoring, including an O'Dell grand slam in the fourth.

Austin Peay was limited to just three hits in the nightcap, all singles, coming from Natalie Ayala, Rikki Arkansas and Gable.

--AP--