Tech falls to Skyhawks in crucial OVC contest

MARTIN, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Tech softball team's Ohio Valley Conference tournament hopes took a blow on Sunday as the Golden Eagles lost to UT-Martin, 5-0.

Tech (24-29,10-12 OVC) remains fifth in the OVC standings, looking to be one of the six who will participate in the post-season tournament to be hosted by Jacksonville State. Freshman Holly Thomas (13-15) gave up four runs on six hits and walked a pair in her three innings in the circle.

The Skyhawks (31-20,11-9 OVC) jumped on top 2-0 in the second, capitalizing on two singles and a Golden Eagle error.

In the third, UT-Martin's Jenny Bain followed her game-opening double with a solo home run down the right field line. Megan Williams then walked on four straight pitches from Thomas and came around to score on a two out single, putting the Skyhawks up 4-0.

The final run of the game came in the fifth when Williams drew another walk, this time off of sophomore Maddie Schmissrauter. She scored on a sacrifice fly after advancing on a wild pitch.

Tech had batters reach base with no outs in the fifth and sixth innings, but could not convert as the Skyhawk defense held the Golden Eagles scoreless.

Schmissrauter walked three and struck out three, not allowing a hit in her three innings in the game.

Sophomores Lacie Coquerille, Katie Betry, and Callie Schmidt, as well as freshman Whitney Cummings, each had singles with Tech earning just four hits in the contest.

The Golden Eagles will visit Vol State Community College on Tuesday for a doubleheader, starting at 1 p.m.