In what was possibly the biggest matchup of the late season for the Panthers, Eastern was unable to pull out a few key wins.

The Panthers were swept by Ohio Valley Conference opponents Morehead State (18-8, 12-3 OVC) and Eastern Kentucky (4-21, 3-12) this past weekend.

With the weekend losses, the Panthers are now mathematically eliminated from contention to compete in the OVC Tournament on Nov. 15.

It’s disappointing for a season that began so strong to come to this. The Panthers started its preseason at 7-2.

But the season is not over yet.

With four remaining matches, the Panthers can still concentrate on winning and finishing strong.

The Panthers will play against Samford (13-12, 8-8), Jacksonville State (15-8, 12-4), Murray State (14-11, 11-4), and Austin Peay (8-20, 3-13) in its remaining matches. JSU, Murray and Samford are all currently ranked in the top six spots in the OVC standings.

Though there will be no tournament to compete in, there are plenty of areas Eastern can look to improve at.

All season, OVC coaches have talked about how uncertain the final placing of teams would be this season. This season has had many upsets and unpredictable outcomes.

But alas, it seems the OVC standings are taking their final shape.

But once the tournament begins, a favorite for the champion is still up in the air.

That is where Eastern still has a role in the rest of the season.

Eastern has been mentioned as a team even top-ranked teams Morehead and Murray say they feel their record does not represent their team fairly.

The Panthers, with three high-ranked opponents left, can still play the spoiler role or at least shake up the OVC standings.

It would also be a personal message to the rest of the OVC that Eastern Illinois will not give up and will be a force to be reckoned with next season.

Another reason the Panthers need to finish strong is they have been playing many young players this season and have began to play more of the bench the past three weeks.

Freshman outside hitter Erin Hake started at the libero position twice and red-shirt sophomore Lauren Schutte made her third start of the season at setter.

Freshmen outside hitters Alex Zwettler and Kelsey Orr have become comfortable in their roles on the team, as they have played a majority of matches this season. Zwettler has played in 23-of-25 matches and 87 games, and Orr has played in 96 games and started 21 matches while playing in 25.

Winning out the rest of the season will also give the returning players the momentum they will need to reflect upon in the off season.

For players not returning next season, these last matches will be significant because they will be the last of some player’s careers. And what better way to go out than in a winning fashion. Currently, the Panthers are on a three-match losing streak.

To all players, returning or not, a four-match winning streak or a few more wins will look better and be more productive to the team they have been a part of.

The season may end for the Panthers, where other teams season will continue, but the rest of the season will still be there.

And a strong finish will matter.