CHARLESTON, Ill. – IUPUI softball fell in to an early hole and was not able to climb out as the Jags lost their final non-conference game of the season to Eastern Illinois, 7-1.

The Jags (16-34) managed just five hits in the game as the bats went cold against the Panthers pitching staff. IUPUI finished the year losing its last five non-conference games.

Eastern Illinois (13-37) struck early with four runs in the top of the first. After Dezirae Leonard got the first out of the inning, a single and a double brought home the first run. In the next at bat, a home run down the left field line made the score 3-0 in favor of the Panthers. Two walks and a single later and EIU held a 4-0 advantage after the first inning.

IUPUI got one back in the top of the second on an Emily Berrisford single that scored Jaida Speth. Speth reached on a walk, advanced to second on a passed ball and moved to third on a ground out by Amber Pagan to set up the run.

That run was quickly earned back in the bottom of the inning as Eastern Illinois doubled to start the inning. After two walks loaded the bases, the runner from third stole home, making it 5-1.

IUPUI threatened, getting two runners on as Delainey Turner doubled and McKenzie Loge walked with one out but infield pop ups by both Delaney Thompson and Mandy Dallas ended any scoring chance.

Eastern Illinois added two runs in the bottom of the fifth against Speth, who had come in in relief of Leonard.

The Jags had another chance to score in the sixth when Sabrina Trevino led off the inning with a single and two batters later, a single by Taytum Schaney moved Trevino to third. A pop up by Morgan Schuetter and ground out by Maddie Keeley ended the inning for the Jags.

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IUPUI will have its bye week this weekend and will return to play with its last Horizon League series of the season at Detroit Mercy on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4.