Skyhawks Edge Cougars 4-3
MARTIN, Tenn. - SIUE softball will look forward to the home season opener Thursday after dropping the third game of its series with UT Martin.
The Cougars will play host to a non-conference battle with Bradley at Cougar Field. A single game is set for 4 p.m. SIUE also has its first OVC home contests of the season when Austin Peay comes to Edwardsville for a three-game weekend series.
SIUE fell to 7-15 overall and 0-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference after a 4-3 loss to the Skyhawks, which improved to 13-9 overall and 3-0 in the OVC. It was the second straight game the Cougars lost by a single run on the road.
"Offensively, we're in a pretty good place. We just make crucial errors in key positions right now," said SIUE Head Coach Sandy Montgomery.
The Cougars led the whole game until the bottom of the seventh. SIUE pitcher Amanda Lambrecht yielded a two-out bases-loaded walk and then a hit batter as the Skyhawks came from behind.
SIUE jumped out to an early lead Sunday against UT Martin. Alex McDavid drove home the game's first run with a double as Lindsey Barron scored.
The Cougars made it 2-0 in the fourth. This time, McDavid scored on the play as Brittany Toney singled her home.
"Alex has been tearing it up. She swinging the bat well," said Montgomery.
UT Martin cut the lead to one with a single tally in the bottom of the fourth. Katie Reiff scored after a pair of back-to-back errors by the Cougars.
SIUE got that run back in the sixth when Toney collected her second RBI of the day. Toney singled home Whitney Davis, who was pinch-running after a Rachel Coonrod single. Montgomery said she was proud of Toney's efforts so far this season.
"She's a strong kid and goes into every game with the right approach," said Montgomery.
UT Martin answered with a single run in the bottom of the sixth. The Skyhawks then loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh. Erika Duke drew a walk to tie the game, and Becca Williams was hit by a pitch to win the game.
Lambrecht took the loss for the Cougars and is now 4-6. Chelsea Jones went the distance for the Skyhawks and improved to 9-3.
