Two more in-state rivals await the Panthers this weekend.

After knocking off Bradley in its season opener, Eastern will take on Illinois-Springfield today in Lantz Arena and then Illinois-Chicago will make the trip to Charleston on Sunday afternoon.

Freshman Jessica Huffman performed well in place of injured starting point guard Megan Edwards, scoring 23 points and recording 7 assists against Bradley.

Edwards’ injury will most likely be season-ending, giving more playing time for Huffman and fellow freshman guard Ashley Thomas. Thomas chipped in four points and six rebounds in 24 minutes in the season opener.

In Eastern’s 92-75 win against Bradley on Tuesday night, 6-foot-2 sophomore forward Rachel Galligan poured in 25 points, a career high, and pulled down seven rebounds in 33 minutes of play.

The Panthers had a sizable height advantage against the Braves, and they will again Friday because the Prairie Stars have just one player on their roster over six feet tall.

Against UIC on Sunday, however, the Panthers will be tested in the paint as the Flames have three forwards with size comparable to Galligan.