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RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University softball team welcomes a pair of OVC West Division foes to Gertrude Hood Field this weekend – SIUE (March 22) and Eastern Illinois (March 23). Friday’s doubleheader is set to start at 2 p.m., while Saturday’s twin bill will start at 1 p.m.

The Colonels’ (16-9, 3-0 OVC) six-game winning streak is the team’s longest since 2008. Freshman Kayla Joyce is riding an eight-game hitting streak of her own entering this weekend. Joyce is tied for the team lead in doubles (six) and stolen bases (10) while ranking second in batting average (.349).

Sophomore pitcher Leanna Pittsenbarger leads the conference in wins (10) and ranks fourth in total strikeouts (103). In her last three starts, Pittsenbarger has allowed just five hits and one earned run.

SIUE (16-7, 1-1) split a pair of games with OVC preseason West Division favorite UT Martin last weekend. The Cougars rank second in the league in both hitting (.301) and team ERA (2.24).

Eastern Illinois (13-8, 3-0) opened OVC action last weekend by sweeping Austin Peay. The Panthers play a pair of games at Morehead State Friday before visiting EKU on Saturday. EIU pitcher Hanna Mennenga, the current OVC Pitcher of the Week, came within one pitch of a perfect game against North Dakota on March 13. Mennenga leads the OVC in both ERA (1.21) and strikeouts (129).