PEORIA, Ill. (WCIA) – Eastern Illinois softball cruised to a postseason win on Friday, punching a spot in the tournament finals.

The Panthers beat SIUE 8-0 on Friday, boosted by a five-run third innings.

Abbi Hatton drove in half of the Panthers’ runs.

EIU will play for a second-straight OVC Tournament title on Saturday, set to take on the winner of Friday night’s Lindenwood vs SIUE game.

The Panthers need just one win on Saturday to secure the tournament crown, while their opponent would need to beat them twice in order to hoist the conference tournament trophy.

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