By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- East Tennessee State used a big inning to gain a victory over the Tennessee Tech softball team in the first game on Saturday, then the Golden Eagles fell on the short end of duel in the second contest as the Lady Bucs swept Tech in the twinbill.

ETSU won game one 7-3, then took the second 3-2.

The Golden Eagles (7-17) will return to action on Saturday as they host Southeast Missouri for both their home opener as well as their Ohio Valley Conference opener.

In game one, Gabby LaSala tried her best to keep the Golden Eagles afloat, driving in two runs as she went 3-for-3 at the plate. LaSala and Raegan Sparks each hit home runs for Tech.

But the Lady Bucs scored five runs in the third inning and was able to stay ahead of Tech starter Leigh Ellen Thomas, who worked the complete game, allowing seven runs -- six earned -- on 12 hits. She walked two and struck out four.

In game two, ETSU went up 3-0 and held that advantage until the fifth inning as Tech drove in two to make it a close contest. Bayli Cruse led off with a double to right center, then pinch runner Amity Brown reached third on a wild pitch. Sparks drove in Brown with a single through the left side, then Kelly Kennedy reached on a throwing error, then Sparks was able to score on a passed ball.

Kayla Hughes took the loss, working six innings as she allowed three runs -- two earned -- on six hits. She walked one and struck out two.