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OXFORD, Ala.– All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team pitcher Chelsea McManway struck out nine batters and gave up just three hits, but Morehead State absorbed a 2-1 setback to Eastern Kentucky in the first round of the OVC Softball Championship on Wednesday night at Choccolocco Park.
 
The Eagles fell behind 1-0 in the first inning after the top-seeded Colonels scored on a sacrifice fly by Johnkyria Alston. In the third inning, the Eagles answered back when freshman Paige Scruggs singled down the first-base line to drive home sophomore Cassie Griffin, making it 1-1. 
 
Eastern Kentucky took the lead for good in the fifth when OVC Player of the Year Paige Murphy hit a solo home run over the left-center field fence.
 
Mollie Paulick (19-5) was the winner of the pitcher's duel, throwing 6.2 innings, giving up five hits, four walks, and one earned run while striking out five. McManaway (16-11) was the tough-luck loser despite her team being able to outhit the Colonels 5-3.
 
Senior Catcher Robyn Leighton went 2-for-3 from the plate, while senior Taylor Wheeler, junior Allison Rager, and Scruggs all collected one hit.
 
The Eagles' hopes at claiming the program's first OVC title continues tomorrow, as the team will face Southeast Missouri in an elimination game. The game will get underway at 6:30 p.m. ET and can be seen live on the OVC Digital Network.