OXFORD, Ala. - SIUE softball eliminated its fourth team of the 2023 Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Saturday with a thrilling 4-2 victory over UT Martin.

The Cougars, 30-25, now advance to the title round of the tournament against second-seeded Eastern Illinois. Since EIU has not yet lost a tournament game after wins over Southern Indiana and UT Martin, the Cougars must defeat the No. 2-seeded Panthers twice Saturday to win the league tournament.

SIUE previously ousted No. 8 Morehead State, No. 3 Southern Indiana and No. 1 Southeast Missouri along with No. 4 UT Martin.

The fifth-seeded Cougars once again turned to junior Sydney Baalman. It was the fourth win of the tournament for Baalman, who has a 0.82 earned run average and 22 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings pitched at the OVC Championships.

A 17-game winner, Baalman yielded just five hits to UT Martin. A two-out, two-run double in the top of the fifth inning by UT Martin's Kallie Pickens was the only offense for the Skyhawks, which closed out the season with a 23-24 record.

"She just keeps getting stronger and stronger," said SIUE Head Coach Ben Sorden. "The ball is moving very well, and she's doing an outstanding job battling in the circle."

SIUE's offense came through for Baalman. Piper Montgomery singled home Micah Arps in the second inning and added a sacrifice fly in the fourth.

"It's really fun to watch this team," said Sorden. "They're playing for each other. They're on a mission."

After Pickens tied the game, SIUE responded in the bottom of the fifth.

Lexi King singled and moved to second on a wild pitch by UT Martin's Emily Brown. Grace Lueke then slashed a ball up the middle to score King uncontested. With Jenna Herron pinch-running for Lueke, Herron moved to second on another wild pitch. Hayley Palm then made it 4-2 with a single to right field.

"The hitting is contagious," said Sorden. SIUE outhit UT Martin 9-5 and is now averaging 11.5 hits per game over its last 10 games.

The first OVC title game is set for 11 a.m. at Choccolocco Park. A second game would be played immediately following if the Cougars defeat EIU at 11 a.m.

"We've been preparing every single day to play two games," said Sorden. "I believe we have the experience and the midset to get it done."