By Nick Gordon, Leatherneck Athletic Communications
MACOMB, IL - The Western Illinois Softball team (8-19, 3-7 OVC) fell in both games of the doubleheader against Eastern Illinois Saturday afternoon.
Game 1: Western Illinois 2, Eastern Illinois 3
The Leathernecks struck first in the opener, taking a 1-0 lead on an RBI single from Ruby Tarr. Western Illinois added to its lead in the sixth inning when Maria Luna delivered an RBI double to right field, scoring Kaelyn Walters to make it 2-0.
The Panthers answered in the bottom half of the sixth, scoring three runs on RBI singles from Abbi Hatton and Brooklyn Groppel to take the lead. Behind a strong outing in the circle from Rylan Gick, the Panthers held on for the 3-2 victory.
Game 2: Western Illinois 0, Eastern Illinois 9 (5 innings)
The second matchup saw Eastern Illinois secure a 9-0 win in five innings. Panthers starter Karlie McKenzie turned in a dominant performance in the circle, limiting Western Illinois throughout the game. Ruby Tarr accounted for the Leathernecks lone hit.
Western Illinois will look to bounce back in the series finale tomorrow at Eastern Illinois.
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