COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Samantha Everett and Angi Sakamoto hit solo home runs in the fourth inning to lead the Tennessee Tech softball team to a 4-2 win over SIU Edwardsville on Saturday

With a spot in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament within reach, both the Golden Eagles (18-24, 12-11 OVC) and the Cougars (18-24, 10-11 OVC) entered Saturday's matchup needing to earn an advantage over the other.

Senior Holly Thomas pitched another gem on the final home weekend series opener of her career. She allowed two walks in the first and three hits in the fourth, pitching perfect in each of the other five innings.

Tech got on the board first as Chanelle Spalding and Cassie Garrett each reached on an error by Cougar second baseman Taylor Tooley. After a walk by Sakamoto loaded the bases, pinch-hitter Christian Gibbs drew a five-pitch walk to give the Golden Eagles a 1-0 advantage.

SIUE struck back in the fourth, scoring two runs on RBI singles by Brittany Toney and Rachel Coonrod.

Everett then hit her second-career home run over the left-center wall with one out in the fourth to tie the game. Sakamoto's went to right-center and was the first of her young career.

Tech tacked on an insurance run in the fifth as senior Brooke Basten singled and was driven in on a double by fellow senior Whitney Cummings.

Thomas ended the game retiring ten consecutive batters. She struck out three and allowed just three hits, improving her record to 13-11 on the year.

Amanda Lambrecht took the loss, allowing five hits, four walks and three earned runs.

Basten led the Golden Eagles, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. Everett and Sakamoto each hit 1-for-2 on the day.

Games two and three are scheduled for Noon on Sunday and Tech's seniors will be recognized prior to the first game. Admission is free at the Tech Softball Field.