The Tennessee-Martin softball team suffered back-to-back losses to Tennessee Tech University in the first of two days of conference play this weekend at Bettye Giles Field. The Skyhawks fall to 17-13 overall and 2-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The Golden Eagles defeated the Skyhawks 3-0 in seven-inning game and then claimed a 2-0 win in eight innings.

In the first game, the Golden Eagles got off to a quick start with a double by senior, Marianne Novac. Samantha Lovelady moved Novac to third on a single to center field. Kacy Bennett reached on a fielder's choice and scored Novac.

The Skyhawks struggled at the plate with only three hits for the game. Seniors Anglea Baize, Beth Buttrey and Sarah Daws led the Skyhawks offensively with one hit each.

Ashley Potts hit a solo shot to left field in the second inning to advance the Golden Eagles lead to 2-0.

Bennett scored Novac again in the third inning improving the score to 3-0.

In the second game, Tech out hit the Skyhawks eight to four. The Golden Eagles defeated the Skyhawks 2-0.

The two teams battled for eight innings until Bennett hit a two-run home run over left field fence make the lead 2-0 for the Golden Eagles.

The Skyhawks responded with a lead-off single to left field for junior, Kristin Hogan. Sophomore Brandy Whalen reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a throwing error. Fallon Lowery lined out to the shortstop and Jennifer Young struck out to end the inning for the Skyhawks. The Skyhawks were defeated 2-0.

The Tennessee-Martin softball team closed out its matchup against Ohio Valley Conference nemesis Tennessee Tech with a 3-2 win on Sunday. The Skyhawks finished the weekend series 1-2.

UT Martin rebounded after two disappointing losses on Saturday to return to the field and defeat the Golden Eagles in the final game of the series.

Tennessee-Tech started the game with a powerful first inning, scoring one run to lead the game for the last time.

In the third inning, the Skyhawks retaliated as sophomore Brandy Whalen drove in pinch runner Ashley Ruggles to tie the game 1-1. Martin native Beth Buttrey hit a triple giving the Skyhawks the lead for the first time this weekend.

Buttrey provided insurance for Tennessee-Martin when she brought in sophomore Jen Young in the bottom of the fifth, making the score 3-1.

Buttrey finished with a .500 batting average this weekend, improving her overall batting average to .315.

The Golden Eagles threatened the lead when Samantha Lovelady hit a home run in the top of the sixth inning.

The Skyhawks held the lead, beating Tennessee Tech 3-2. Junior Nicole Davis had eight strikeouts, halting the Golden Eagle offense.

This victory marks Tennessee-Martin's first win over Tennessee Tech since 1997.

The Skyhawks also dropped a pair of games Tuesday against Saint Louis University, 4-5, 8-9.

Pitchers Swafford and Mizell were credited with the losses against the Billikens.

The Skyhawks return to action Friday with a conference doubleheader against the Jacksonville Gamecocks and then a single Saturday game.

UTM will then return home on the thirteenth for a doubleheader against Southeast Missouri State.