March 23, 2025
Tech softball gets sweep powered by nine-run first inning
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech’s offense continued to shine on Sunday as the Golden Eagles completed the three-game sweep over Western Illinois with a 12-3 run-rule victory over the Leathernecks at Tech Softball Field. The win gives Tech (10-19, 4-5 Ohio Valley Conference) its first three-game league sweep for since April 24, 2022, when the Golden Eagles took all three games against Tennessee State.
Western Illinois
6-21, 2-7
3
Tennessee Tech
10-19, 4-5
12
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
|
|
9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | X | 12 | 10 | 1 |
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech's offense continued to shine on Sunday as the Golden Eagles completed the three-game sweep over Western Illinois with a 12-3 run-rule victory over the Leathernecks at Tech Softball Field.
The win gives Tech (10-19, 4-5 Ohio Valley Conference) its first three-game league sweep for since April 24, 2022, when the Golden Eagles took all three games against Tennessee State.
Payton Wagner picked up the victory as she went the first 3 1/3 innings, allowing two unearned runs on two hits with five walks. Hannah Lange threw two-thirds of a frame with two walks and Lainey Fitzgerald pitched the final inning, allowing one run on one hit with two walks.
Tech collected 10 hits in all with Alina Schlageter going 3-for-3 at the plate while Abby Shoulders went 2-for-3. Four Tech players – Olivia Evans, Abbee Klinefelter, Ashley Capelouto and Schlageter – had two RBI each.
The Golden Eagles got the game rolling right off the bat as they scored nine runs in the opening frame on six hits and an error. Abby Shoulders started things off with a single up the middle then stole second and third – the latter she was already on the way on a passed ball after an Olivia Evans walk.
Klinefelter singled to short to drive in Shoulders, then Sydney Kirby hit a single to center field to bring Evans home. On a grounder back to the circle, Klinefelter and Kirby moved into second and third, then Capelouto roped a single up the middle to send the runners scrambling for home.
After the second out of the inning was recorded, Brooklyn Stewart was walked to put two on. Schlageter hit a double down the left field line to push Capelouto across, then Shoulders drew a four-pitch walk. Evans delivered her two-run blow with a single that skipped in front of the WIU second baseman and got past her, allowing Schlageter and Stewart to cross. Evans stole second, then a throwing error at short allowed Shoulders and Evans to come home for the eighth and ninth innings of the inning.
Tech added an insurance run in the bottom of the third as Klinefelter's sacrifice fly drove in Schlageter, then another in the fourth as Schlageter had an RBI single through the right side to drive in Bishop, who reached on a fielding error at first.
All three of Western Illinois' runs scored on bases-loaded walks – twice in the top of the fourth that were unearned off of a fielding error in center field that extended the inning, then one in the fifth.
The Golden Eagles return to action Tuesday as they host Chattanooga in a single game starting at 4 p.m. Admission to the game is free.
Photo | Jim Dillon
