COLUMBIA, Tenn. - The Eastern Kentucky University softball team faced what might be their most difficult opponent of the season in the No. 7 Tennessee Lady Volunteers, falling in five innings at the Midstate Classic on Tuesday evening, 0-8.

The Colonels (19-7, 2-0 ASUN) move to 1-3 on the year against Power Four opponents; splitting a series 1-1 with Georgia Tech to begin the season and dropping a midweek game to Louisville.

Still up for the Colonels will be a home game against the University of Kentucky Wildcats on April 23 at Gertrude Hood Field.

It was all Lady Vols in the matchup, scoring runs in three consecutive innings to run rule the Colonels in five. Maddi Rutan (8-4) was credited with the loss for EKU.

The Colonels created opportunities but could not convert, leaving five runners on base, including two in scoring position.

UP NEXT

The Colonels stay on the road as they get back into conference play with a three-game stretch against Bellarmine. The series opens up with a doubleheader on Saturday, Mar. 22 at 1 PM and 3:30 PM with the finale slated for Sunday at 1 PM.