Sophomore goalkeeper Kaylin Lorbert recorded her first career shutout as the Eastern women’s soccer team finished 0-1-1 at the Northern Illinois Invitational this weekend.

Lorbert, starting for the injured junior Jenny Williams, took advantage of her opportunity by making 16 saves and allowing only one goal in two matches.

Williams injured her ankle before Friday’s match against Northern Illinois.

Eastern (0-3-1) fell to Northern Illinois (2-0-0) 1-0 on Friday before playing to a scoreless tie Sunday against Northern Iowa (0-2-1).

Eastern head coach Tim Nowak said Williams’ injury was “nothing too serious,” and it will be evaluated day-by-day.

However, he said he was very pleased with the play of Lorbert in Williams’ absence.

“Kaylin took advantage of the opportunity given to her,” Nowak said. “She was steady and played very consistent (against Northern Iowa) and that’s what you want. She made the big save when she needed to and made all the saves she’s supposed to make.”

The scoreless tie is the first for Eastern since 2006 against Morehead State.

Despite the fact that the Panthers were unable to get on the scoreboard, Nowak said he thought his team played a good game all around.

“We played well on both sides of the ball,” Nowak said. “The girls played inspired and played really well defensively. On the attacking end we did a great job at creating opportunities.”

Senior midfielder Pam Melinauskas said she thought both Lobert and Northern Iowa goalkeeper freshman Lauren Potzman had solid efforts.

Potzman had 12 saves in her first shutout of the season.

“Both their keeper and ours did a great job,” said Melinauskas, who finished with two of Eastern’s 12 shots on goal. “I think everyone came out with a lot of energy today, and we played well on both sides of the ball.”

In Friday’s 1-0 loss to Northern Illinois, Lorbert made six saves and gave up only one goal.

However, the Panthers were unable to get off a shot on goal against the Huskies’ defense.

“We weren’t as sharp as we needed to be against NIU,” Nowak said. “We were working hard but not working well. But we learned a lot about the type of game we want to play.”

Collin Whitchurch can be reached at 581-7944 or at cfwhitchurch@eiu.edu .