RICHMOND, Ky. – A quick start in both games proved to be the difference Saturday as Eastern Kentucky topped SIUE in Ohio Valley Conference softball action at Gertrude Hood Field.

The Colonels took game one 7-2 and added a nightcap 3-1 victory. EKU improved to 9-3 overall and 2-0 in the OVC.

"Momentum and experience really nipped us," said SIUE Head Coach Jessica Jones. "We have to do a better job of playing our game, and that's being relentless competitors."

The two teams will play one more conference contest Sunday with start time set for noon CT.

Zoe Schafer powered the Cougar offense in game one with her second home run of the season, a solo blast in the first inning.

"She started the game off great," said Jones. "That's what you ask from your leadership and your veterans."

EKU countered with three runs in the first and three runs in the second in support of Samantha Reynoso, who struck out 10 and improved to 4-0. Emily Ingles took the loss in game one for SIUE.

The Cougars and the Colonels each had six hits in the nightcap. Lexi King and Becca Duran each had two hits for SIUE, which is 0-7 overall and 0-2 in the OVC. Ariyana Miranda's two-run homer in the fourth was the eventual game two winner. Tori Peterson earned the win for EKU while King was credited with the loss for SIUE.

"We have to do a better job of attacking early and just playing SIUE softball," added Jones.