Almost a week after a high-offensive output, the Eastern softball team did a 360-degree turnaround on Tuesday.

The Panthers, who tied their season high with 11 hits against Butler on Thursday, only managed three singles in their 9-1 loss in five innings at Indiana State.

Indiana State sophomore pitcher Meagan McCurdy kept the Panthers off-balance, and Eastern head coach Kim Schuette said her team made too many mistakes against McCurdy.

“We were trying to hit everything she threw, whether it was or a strike or not,” Schuette said. “We didn’t make the adjustments we needed to make.”

McCurdy struck out seven and relied on her drop ball to confuse Eastern hitters.

“It was out of the strike zone, and we were swinging at them,” Schuette said.

Eastern sophomore shortstop Megan Nelson said the team wasn’t focused at the plate.

“We really couldn’t lay off of the drop ball,” Nelson said. “We had been getting good looks at the plate (until today).”

McCurdy (8-9) kept the Panthers scoreless until the fifth inning.

Eastern senior right fielder Robyn Mackie singled to left field to score Eastern sophomore left fielder Lauren Brackett for Eastern’s only run.

Nelson and Eastern junior second baseman Sarah Coppert had Eastern’s other hits.

Coppert was also walked in the fifth inning to load the bases, but Eastern sophomore center fielder Denee’ Menzione grounded out to the pitcher.

“We didn’t do much right today,” Schuette said.

Schuette also said the Panthers defense, which committed two errors, and pitching, which allowed seven earned runs on nine hits, weren’t all there on Tuesday.

“We lost some balls in the sun,” Schuette said. “Things kind of spiraled. It was a rough day for Eastern. I think we’ll be all right. Sometimes you got to get your butt kicked.”

Indiana State (14-20-1) jumped on the Panthers early with five runs in the first inning.

Eastern senior pitcher Karyn Mackie (7-8) started the game, but lasted only one inning. The Wildwood, Mo., native gave up five hits, six runs, walked three and struck out one.

Eastern junior pitcher Kathleen Jacoby pitched the final 3 2/3 innings. She gave up four hits, three runs, walked one and struck out one.

Eastern (13-17) doesn’t have much time to think about Tuesday’s loss as the Panthers take on Saint Louis (15-25-1) in a doubleheader today. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at SLU.

Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or kjmurphy@eiu.edu.