MERIDIAN, Miss. – The No. 20 Meridian baseball team took on a formidable challenge Friday, facing off against ninth-ranked Southeastern Iowa in a doubleheader. Despite showing flashes of promise, the Eagles were unable to keep pace, falling in both games, 8-3 and 8-1.

In game one, MCC (8-3) briefly held the lead after a two-run home run from Matthew Cochran in the second inning and a run-scoring fielder's choice by Brennon Wright in the third. However, the Blackhawks responded quickly and steadily pulled away, capitalizing on timely hitting and a strong performance from their pitching staff. Harlin Hovater led the Eagles at the plate, going 2-for-3, while Cochran's homer provided an early spark.

The second game remained close through five innings, thanks to a solid start from left-hander Cole Blackwell, who allowed just two runs while striking out five. However, a five-run seventh inning by Southeastern broke the game open, sealing an 8-1 final. MCC managed four hits in the contest, with Tyrus Williams driving in the Eagles' lone run.

The Eagles will look to bounce back on Monday, February 17, when they travel to Summit, Miss., to face Mississippi Gulf Coast and Southwest Mississippi.