COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Western Illinois fought hard in a doubleheader against Tennessee Tech on March 22 but came up short in both games, suffering a heartbreaking extra-inning loss in Game 1 before falling in a shortened contest in Game 2.

In the opener, the Leathernecks kept the game close throughout, scoring in three of the first five innings. Lillie Wools had a strong two-way performance, tallying two hits, including a double, and an RBI while pitching a complete game. Payton Brown added a triple and an RBI, and Megan Leonard contributed another run-scoring hit. Despite recording 11 hits, WIU stranded 12 runners on base. Wools battled for 8.1 innings but allowed five earned runs as Tennessee Tech secured a 5-4 walk-off win in extras.

In Game 2, Western Illinois stormed out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning, sparked by a three-hit, two-RBI performance from Sophia Sanchez. Ruby Tarr and Leonard also contributed key RBIs, while the team capitalized on early Tennessee Tech errors. However, the Golden Eagles responded with an explosive offensive performance, scoring 14 runs on 14 hits to take control. WIU's pitching struggled, with three pitchers combining to allow 11 earned runs. The game resulted in a 14-6 defeat in 5 innings for the Leathernecks.

Despite the losses, WIU showcased offensive potential with 20 hits across the two games. The Leathernecks will look to regroup tomorrow, March 23, as they finish the series against Tennessee Tech at 12 p.m. 

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