March 21, 2007
Softball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SYCAMORES TRIPPED UP BY THE PANTHERS OF EASTERN ILLINOIS

CHARLESTON, Ill. - The Sycamores (14-9, 1-2 MVC) rolled into Charleston, Illinois on Wednesday, March 21 to face the home standing Panthers of Eastern Illinois (8-13, 0-3 OVC).

The game ended by a score of 4-1 for Eastern Illinois as they secured the victory to move to (9-13, 0-3 OVC) while the Sycamores fell to (14-10, 1-2 MVC).

The Sycamores Darcy Wood (7-8) had a solid performance on the day as she entered the game in the bottom of the first to relieve Freshman Meagan McCurdy (7-2) who took the loss. Wood pitched the rest of the way, 5.1 innings, without giving up any runs on one hit while striking out four batters.

The Panthers got off to a hot start as they brought four runs (all unearned) across the plate in the bottom of the first inning off of Sycamores Freshman Pitcher Meagan McCurdy with the help of three costly defensive errors. With 2 outs Junior Darcy Wood was brought in to halt the rally. She finished the inning and went on to pitch the rest of the way.

The Sycamores scattered hits but failed to score until the top of the 6th as Sophomore Sam Markowski and Junior Lindsey Starwalt got into scoring position on 2nd and 3rd base with only one out. Senior Jackie Chomicki capitalized on this opportunity by lacing a single into center field which brought home Markowski from 3rd base. The Sycamore rally would end after that as the next two batters each grounded out. The score at the end of 6 innings, which would end up being the final score, was 4-1 in the Panthers favor.

Jackie Chomicki went 1 for 3 with an RBI and Sam Markowski went 1 for 3 with a run scored for the Sycamores. Karyn Mackie picked up the victory for the Panthers as she went 6.2 innings giving up one run on five hits while striking out four Sycamores.

The Sycamores are in action again tomorrow, March 22, for a pair of home games against Saint Louis University. The first game begins at 2:00 p.m. followed by a second game at 4:00 p.m. eastern time. Both games will be played at Price Field on the campus of Indiana State University.