BOX SCORE

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University defeated the University of Toledo, 6-3, in the first round of the National Invitational Softball Championship Thursday at Gertrude Hood Field.

The Rockets struck first in the opening inning making it 2-0 early.

Destinee Lizzmore singled, followed by Paige Murphy being issued a walk to put two on for Hannah Clark in the bottom frame of the first. The junior went yard down the left field line to put the Colonels in front, 3-2.

Eastern tacked on three more in the second stanza. Two batters in, Brooke Harrison singled through the right side. Back-to-back two-baggers from Lizzmore and Murphy plated two and Clark singled to notch another RBI and extend the lead to four, 6-2.

Ashley Rausch was hit by a pitch to start the third. The centerfielder worked her way around the bases and was plated after a Bekah Yenrick single to draw Toledo within three, 6-3.

The EKU pitching staff held the Rockets scoreless through the last four to hang on to the victory.

Lizzmore and Clark led the charge for EKU, going 3-of-4 and 2-of-3 respectively.

After the win the Colonels move to 41-18 on the year while Toledo falls to 34-22.

Eastern Kentucky will return to the diamond tomorrow to take on Towson at Gertrude Hood Field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. ET.

SCHEDULE

Thursday

Towson 3, Austin Peay 0

Eastern Kentucky 6, Toledo 3

Friday

Austin Peay vs. Toledo, 10 a.m.

Eastern Kentucky vs. Towson 1 p.m.

Austin Peay/Toledo Winner vs. EKU/Towson Loser, 3 p.m. ET

Saturday

Championship Game, 12 p.m.