The Eastern Panthers returned home from their six game road trip and delivered two great performances against two of the top teams in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Coming off of a disappointing road trip, I thought that the season was all but over for head coach Summer Perala’s squad, but they responded and are now back in the thick of things in the OVC.

The Panthers are currently 2-2-1 in the OVC, and are tied with Murray State and Austin Peay for third place in the conference standings.

Although the Panthers were able to post a tie against, previously undefeated, Morehead State and notch a win against Eastern Kentucky; however, scoring continues to be a major problem.

The Panthers offensive attack did manage to outshoot both of their opponents over the weekend, but managed to capitalize on just one scoring opportunity.

Coming off a victory I am confident that they gained momentum and confidence which will result in goals in each of their remaining three games.

Sophomore forward Ashley Streid, senior forward Kaitlin Sullivan and junior forward Kristin Germann must continue to play at a high level.

If the Panthers want a favorable match-up in the first round of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament they need to capitalize on their scoring chances.

Their defensive play continues to impress as they posted two shutouts against elite competition. Senior goalkeeper Kaylin Lorbert and her defensive core have turned in an incredible seven shutouts this season.

“We are still playing pretty solid and our goalkeeping has been outstanding so hopefully we can keep putting up shutouts,” junior defender Erika Prazma said.

The defensive play must deliver quality performances, as they will face opponents with records of .500 or above in two of their final three games this season.

Fresh off of the encouraging weekend the Panthers will hit the road for the last time this season.

The Panthers will face Tennessee Tech in their last game away from Lakeside Field. The Golden Eagles have a record of 0-3 in the OVC so I look for the Panthers to leave Cookeville, Tenn. with a victory.

To round out their 2010 campaign the Panthers will welcome the University of Tennessee-Martin and Murray State to Lakeside Field.

Both of their final two opponents have records of .500 or above so Perala’s team will have to be in top form if the Panthers expect to finish their season on a high note.

I look for wins in each of their final three games from them.

Jordan Pottorff can be reached

at 581-7944 or jbpottorff@eiu.edu.