Denee’ Menzione was dominant this weekend.

She was clearly the Panthers’ offensive attack leader and, according to head coach Kim Schuette, she also stepped up and led the team vocally, too.

However, the Panthers lost even though one of their senior leaders had an explosive weekend.

The Eastern softball team was one game back of the untouchable Tennessee Martin Skyhawks on Friday, and definitely within striking distance.

The two teams – Nos. 1 and 2 in the Ohio Valley Conference – were set for a showdown that would pace the rest of the season.

So, the Skyhawks – with some help from some long balls and some umpires – took all three games in the series that was, Schuette said, a rowdy, heated environment to be in.

Both teams and the crowd knew what would potentially be at stake.

In being swept, the Panthers have to play catch up the rest of the season.

Eastern has fallen to fourth place, a half game behind Jacksonville State, who the Panthers hold a tiebreaker over.

Despite being swept by Tennessee Martin, the Panthers certainly still have an opportunity to climb back up the standings. There is a lot of softball to be played.

Also, Schuette said her team grew up significantly this weekend and regained its confidence, which should be especially important down the stretch.

The staff’s ace, junior pitcher Amber May, lost her two starts this weekend but based on what she’s been doing all season, she’ll bounce back.

May might also have some reinforcements on the way. Schuette said after the Panthers played No. 18 Illinois last week, freshmen pitchers Natalie Wunderlich and Hailie Ray are close to pitch well during the weekends against OVC foes.

Sometimes it takes a weekend like this one to get kicked out of your seat and begin to feel the fire.

At the end of game three this weekend, Schuette said her team was heated with a call costing the Panthers a run, which could’ve potentially be the one winning the game.

Maybe that heat will fuel the fire for the rest of the season and the Panthers offense will strike up some kind of hitting streak.

You can’t let games be decided by officials but it’s a shame what happened to Eastern Sunday.

At this point, the Panthers’ universal mindset is more prominent than ever. “Take it one game at a time.”

The Panthers are done being swept. There are nine more games against OVC opponents to play. Eastern isn’t going to let one crushing loss pull them down.

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7944 or admcnamee@eiu.edu.