PEORIA, Ill. (WAND) - Despite losing their first game of the Ohio Valley Conference softball tournament early Saturday morning, Eastern Illinois won the elimination game to clinch back-to-back tournament titles.
The Panthers advanced to the OVC championship round following Friday afternoon's 8-0 victory over SIUE. Lindenwood bested EIU in the first tilt of championship Saturday, 5-0, but Eastern bounced back for a 5-2 victory to claim the trophy and book another trip to the NCAA tournament.
Senior pitcher Karlie Mckenzie entered the second game and threw 4 scoreless innings, earning her the tournament MVP for the second consecutive year. She was joined by Abbi Hatton, Sophia Olman, and Bryanna French as OVC All-Tournament team selections.
Eastern Illinois gained a 2-1 advantage in the 2nd inning on a Lindenwood error, followed by an RBI by Chloe Wamboldt.
After the Lions tied the game, the Panthers retook the lead on an infield grounder by Viola Smith. Wamboldt tallied her 2nd RBI of the game later in the 4th frame.
A sacrifice fly by Lizzie Stiverson was the final run scored by either team, as EIU defended the field.
EIU will learn its destination for the NCAA Tournament Sunday night at 6 pm (CT) on ESPN2 during the NCAA selection show.
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