EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Softball came up short in both games of Saturday's Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader against Eastern Illinois University at USI Softball Field, falling 6-2 and 6-1.
 
Following Saturday's results, USI Softball (13-27, 10-13 OVC) remained in seventh in the OVC standings, as USI's losing streak reached five games. Meanwhile, Eastern Illinois (29-20, 19-3 OVC) maintained its first-place lead in the OVC while pushing its winning streak to eight games.
 
In game one, Eastern Illinois utilized the long ball to its advantage, recording a solo shot in the second inning and another in the top of the fourth inning to take a 2-0 lead.
 
USI responded in the bottom of the fourth inning on a two-out, two-RBI double by junior outfielder Kate Satkoski to knot the game up, 2-2.
 
The Panthers regained the lead on another solo home run in the top of the sixth and added on with three total runs in the seventh, including two on a home run, to extend the lead to 6-2, holding on from there.
 
Satkoski and junior catcher Alyssa Mumaw each finished with two hits, combining for four of USI's five hits. Satkoski led with the two RBIs.
 
In the pitching circle, freshman pitcher Anna Kemp (4-10) was dealt the loss after striking out six batters and giving up six runs – five earned – off six hits in 6.2 innings pitched.
 
Eastern Illinois starting pitcher Karlie McKenzie (9-8) got the win after allowing two runs in five innings pitched with six strikeouts. Bryanna French pitched the last two innings in relief and earned her fifth save of the season.
 
In the second game, Eastern Illinois jumped out quickly, scoring all six runs across the first four innings. The Panthers hit one more solo home run in game two and finished with 10 total hits.
 
USI scored its only tally of the second game in the bottom of the fifth inning when Satkoski lifted a pitch over the left-field fence for a solo home run and her second long ball of the season to make it a 6-1 ballgame.
 
Satkoski notched another two-hit game alongside a pair of hits by senior outfielder Caroline Stapleton out of the leadoff spot. USI totaled four hits.
 
Sophomore pitcher Kylie Witthaus (3-9) was charged with the loss, surrendering a run in two-thirds of an inning. Freshman left-handed pitchers Mia Kiegel and Elly Robbins came on in relief. Kiegel went 2.1 innings with two strikeouts and gave up three runs, but only two earned. Robbins tossed the final four innings, striking out a couple of Panthers and allowing two runs – one earned.
 
Eastern Illinois starting pitcher Rylan Gick (11-4) picked up the win and hurled a complete game, giving up a run with 10 strikeouts.
 
The Screaming Eagles and Panthers wrap the series on Sunday at Noon from USI Softball Field. Sunday is USI's Senior Day, recognizing the Eagles' graduating class of Caroline Stapleton, Maddison Depencier, Olivia Money, and Julianna Hibbs.
 
Sunday's series finale can be seen with an ESPN+ subscription. Additional coverage and live stat links are available on the USI Softball schedule page on usiscreamingeagles.com.