ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Lindenwood softball (10-9, 1-2 OVC) suffered a 5-0 loss on Sunday in the rubber match against the Panthers of Eastern Illinois (10-13, 2-1 OVC) at the Lou Brock Sports Complex. Lions trailed 1-0 heading into the top of the seventh before the Panthers scored four runs in the top of the inning.

KEY STATS
Ryleigh Owens: L (4-3), 4.1 IP, 3 H, R, K
Avery Wapp: 2.2 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K
Irelynn West: 1-3

Owens suffered the loss on the mound for the Lions after throwing a complete game on Saturday. She tossed 4.1 innings allowing just one earned run on three hits while striking out one. Wapp came in relief for Owens, throwing 2.2 innings allowing four runs (three earned) while striking out three.

It was a scoreless three innings for both teams to start the game. EIU got their first hit in the top of the third off of Owens but the Lions got out of the inning with two runners on. West had the lone hit in the bottom of the third, but the Lions failed to bring her home after she was caught stealing to end the game.

In the top of the fourth, the Panthers got the bases loaded with no outs. Owens was able to get a double play at home and first to limit any damage. EIU scored their first run with a hit by pitch with the bases loaded as they led 1-0 after the fourth.

Wapp came on in the middle of the fifth inning and did some work on the mound getting three Panthers to strike out in the top of the sixth inning. The Panthers scored four runs in the top of the seventh to stretch their lead to 5-0. The Lions ended the game with a runner stranded as the fell to 1-2 to start Ohio Valley Conference play.

Lindenwood will be back in action on Wednesday, March 12th for a double header at Lou Brock against Evansville starting at 1:00 p.m. CT. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.