By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

OXFORD, Ala. – Gabby LaSala started the game with an exclamation, but Eastern Kentucky responded in force as the Colonels scored in every inning, including six in the third inning as EKU run-ruled the Golden Eagles 11-2 in five innings to end Tech's season.

The Golden Eagles (16-30) had a lead-off home run from LaSala to give Tech its first run in the opening frame, but the Colonels countered with a run as Johnkyria Alston singled up the middle to drive in Krislyn Campos.

EKU (26-30) then took the lead in the second as Campos doubled to center field, allowing Brooke Harrison to score.

However, it was the third inning that the Colonels dampened the Golden Eagles' hopes. EKU struck for six runs, leading off with a Hannah Clark solo home run to right center. Paige Murphy drew a walk, then advanced to second on a grounder to short. Brittany Oldaker doubled to center field, allowing Murphy to score and prompting Tech head coach Bonnie Bynum Graham to change pitchers.

Leigh Ellen Thomas came in to relieve Danielle Liberatore and walked Kelly Wood, then Campos hit a three-run homer. Mia Sanchez added a single up the middle, then Alston singled to left to drive in the sixth run of the frame. Graham returned Liberatore to the lineup and was able to work out of the inning.

EKU then struck for three more in the fourth as Campos hit a sacrifice fly to left to score Murray, Sanchez had a bunt single to score Shelby Atzinger, then Rachel Minogue singled to right to score Wood.

Liberatore worked 3 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs on nine hits as she walked six and struck out one. Thomas worked 1/3 of an inning, allowing three runs on three hits as she walked one.

Tech ended the game with four hits as LaSala had two hits, with Thomas and Hallie Davis recording hits as well.

The game wrapped up the careers for six Golden Eagle seniors – Amity Brown, Kelly Kennedy, Sarah Freels, Gabby Perez, Alyssa Richards and Liberatore.