The 2025 softball season has kicked off for Eastern as the team just completed its first tournament of the year. 

Eastern traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to compete in the Incarnate Word Tournament from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9. 

Before the tournament, freshman utility player Abbi Hatton said the team was excited about the start of the season. 

Having returners in last year’s Ohio Valley Conference freshman of the year in McKenzie Oslanzi and last year’s OVC player of the year in Kendall Grover, this season’s team has notable returners along with new faces. 

“We were excited to get the season going after working hard all fall and winter,” Hatton said. “[This team] consists of a good mix of returners and newcomers. With the success of players to watch from last years team, like OVC freshman of the year and OVC player of the year, we know as a team, we have high standards to live up to with a target on our backs, but we wouldn’t want it any other way.” 

Eastern started the tournament off with a 4-2 win over Prairie View A&M through nine innings on Feb. 7. 

Junior pitcher Bryanna French recorded a double play in the ninth inning to seal the win for the Panthers. 

The Panthers’ second game on Feb. 7 concluded with a loss against Incarnate Word 6-3. 

Eastern took two losses on Feb. 8 against UT Arlington (9-1) and Incarnate Word (7-3). 

Freshman catcher Kira Manganello said even though the team started off with a slow start, they stayed focused and worked on adjusting both on and off the field. 

“Our softball team got off to a bit of a slow start at the beginning of the tournament, struggling a bit to find our rhythm and adjust to new people in new positions,” Manganello said. “However, we stayed focused, worked together and made key adjustments both on and off the field. With better communication, improved strategies and a stronger sense of teamwork, we turned things around.” 

On Feb. 9, Eastern came back to end the tournament with another win against Prairie View A&M 5-2. 

Manganello recorded two home runs in the game, advancing Hatton and fifth year utility Abbey Crain twice. 

“Personally, I was able to rise to the occasion during the tournament, playing some of my best games yet,” Manganello said. “My focus and determination paid off, and I contributed significantly to the team’s success while hitting two long shots to score all five runs, helping us get back on track and to finish strong.” 

Reflecting on the games, Hatton said she was excited to get in the games, as well as being on a notable team as a freshman. 

“Pressure is a privilege to this team, and we practice tough situations constantly so that when we are in them, it’s like routine work,” Hatton said. “As a freshman coming in to a successful team, I knew it would be tough to come in and find a role, whatever that role may be, but by continuing to work hard and work together, this team can get the results we strive for.” 

The Panthers’ next game will be on Feb. 14 against Western Kentucky in the Troy Trojan Classic. 

In this tournament in Troy, Alabama, Eastern will compete against Western Kentucky and Troy twice as well as Alabama State once. 

Zaria Flippin can be reached at 581-2812 or at zhflippin@eiu.edu.