The Eastern softball team is currently on a six-game winning streak before Wednesday’s game.

This winning streak is the second-longest streak for the Panthers this season as they had a seven-game winning streak to start the season.

During their current streak, the Panthers defeated Drake and Indiana-Purdue-Indianapolis in a doubleheader.

They also defeated Tennessee Martin three times in two days.

During their game on Sunday against UT Martin, the Panthers were able to pull together a 10-inning 2-1 victory off sophomore third baseman Kiley Holtz’s walk-off single.

Sunday’s victory was just one more example of how the softball team has been able to win the close games.

The team (17-10, 4-2 Ohio Valley Conference) has a 6-3 record at Williams Field.

The most impressive part of the softball teams record is the fact that they have played in 17 games that have been decided by two runs or less. They have won 10 of these games, including the last four.

Along with the team’s ability to win the close games, they have been able to put up strong numbers in both the hitting and pitching categories.

Holtz and junior right fielder Denee’ Menzione have been two of the stronger hitters for the offense this season.

Holtz is batting .325 and is tied with teammate Menzione for the team lead in home-runs with five. Holtz leads the squad with 23 RBIs. She is also tied for the team lead for doubles (4).

Menzione has been patient at the plate this season, drawing a team-high 16 walks. She also leads the team in batting average (.366) and runs (20).

The pitching staff has also played a pivotal role in the team’s success.

Eastern pitchers post a 2.45 ERA, while striking out 168 batters and only walking 71. A major reason for the high strikeout total has been the pitching of sophomore Amber May.

May is 12-6 with an ERA of 1.28 in 24 appearances. May has accounted for 109 of the 168-strikeout total, while pitching a total of 125.1 innings.

If the team is going to continue to find success this season they will need to rely on their ability to win the close games, as well as having continued progression from the hitting and pitching departments.

Neil Schneider can be reached at 581-7944 or at jnschneider@eiu.edu.