CHARLESTON, Ill. -- After opening the fall portion of the schedule two weeks ago at home, the Eastern Illinois softball squad will continue their autumn slate, playing two games at the Joliet Fall Invitational this coming Sunday (Sep. 27).

The Panthers will face two instate foes, playing Northern Illinois at 9 am, followed by a 11:15 am battle with Big Ten foe Northwestern.

Last season, NIU and NU finished 20-37 and 31-15, respectively, with the Wildcats advancing to the Waco Regional in last spring's NCAA Tournament.

In their recent fall opening home doubleheader with Lake Land, the Panthers won both games in walk-off fashion in the seventh. Denee' Menzione plated Jen Saucier with a sacrifice fly in game one, while Melinda Jackson connected for a two-run homer to win the nightcap.

Next up for Eastern will be the second annual Illinois Collegiate Challenge on Oct. 3-4, with EIU playing Southern Illinois and Western Illinois in opening play at noon and 2:30 pm on Saturday, respectively.

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID