The Eastern women’s soccer team has not allowed a goal through two games and will look to continue that trend Friday as they battle Valparaiso.

Senior goalkeeper Kaylin Lorbert has been a big part of the Panthers’ shutout streak, making six saves in two games.

Also, red-shirt freshman goalkeeper Jessica Taldone has seen action, making two saves.

Eastern head coach Summer Perala said she gives incredible defensive play credit for helping the Panthers, as they haven’t given up a goal yet this season.

Making history

With victories over Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Evansville, the Panthers have done something they haven’t been able to since 2001 – start a season with a 2-0 record.

In their two wins, the Panthers have outscored their opponents 3-0.

The 2001 team won their third game and went on to a 14-6 record.

Offense catching fire

The Panthers have dominated every statistic this season out-shooting their opponents 26-12 and outscoring them 3-0.

Perala said she has stressed the importance of finishing scoring opportunities, and is looking for a few key players to step up and get this team converting their scoring chances.

In the first three games, sophomore forward Ashley Streid, senior forward Kaitlin Sullivan and sophomore midfielder Kristin Germann have scored.

The Panthers have also earned 19 corners compared to just seven from their opponents, and have committed less fouls than their opponents.

Around the OVC

Aside from Eastern’s 2-0 start, only three other Ohio Valley Conference teams have registered wins – Austin Peay, Southeast Missouri State and Eastern Kentucky.

Austin Peay defeated VMI 6-0 Friday. SEMO beat Belmont 2-1 Sunday. Eastern Kentucky beat Xavier 1-0 Friday. Murray State is in fourth place in the conference, having tied in two games.

Tennessee Martin is the only other team in the OVC with a tie.

The Panthers will look to continue their good play over the weekend as they face Valparaiso 7 p.m. Friday in Valparaiso, Ind. and Eastern Michigan 1 p.m. Sunday on Lakeside Field.

Jordan Pottorff can be reached

at 581-7944 or jbpottorff@eiu.edu.

Junior midfielder/forward Ashley Eck keeps the ball away from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis’ sophomore defender Kelly Williams Friday afternoon at Lakeside Field. (Danny Damiani

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