Eastern Kentucky University Athletics

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - The Eastern Kentucky University softball team closed out its regular season with a 3-1 victory over Austin Peay.
 
The game was highlighted by a three-run shot from Jaelin Haynes in the third inning that gave the Colonels the lead for good.
 
EKU shut down the high-powered Governors offense, allowing just four hits and one run on the day.
 
Victoria Byrum got the start in the circle, allowing only two hits and no runs over four innings. Tayteum Vigansky came on in relief and closed out the game, surrendering just two hits.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The game opened as a pitching duel. EKU closed out the top of the first inning with a groundout double play, and both teams went down in order in the second.
 
The Colonels broke through in the third inning. Claire Schreiner led off with a single, followed by another single from Reese Knox to move Schreiner into scoring position. Kennedy Drafton added a base hit to load the bases.
 
Haynes delivered the decisive blow, ripping a double to right-center that cleared the bases and gave EKU a 3-0 lead.
 
EKU threatened again in the fifth after placing a runner on third but was unable to add to its lead.
 
Vigansky entered in the bottom of the fifth and kept Austin Peay in check into the seventh inning.
 
Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the seventh, the Governors mounted a late push, putting two runners on with a single and a walk. With two outs, an EKU fielding error allowed one run to score and moved another runner to third. The Colonels remained composed and recorded the final out to secure the 3-1 win.
 
NEXT UP
 
EKU advances to the ASUN Tournament in Jacksonville after clinching the No. 3 seed in the ASUN Gold Division. The Colonels will await their opponent and game time from the conference office. Last season, EKU advanced to the ASUN Championship game.