The Eastern Panthers survived a do or die situation over the weekend, and secured a post season bid as they faced the University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks and the Murray State Racers. Going into the weekend it was apparent that the Panthers could not suffer a loss if they planned on participating in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.

The Panthers overcame the season deciding weekend and secured themselves a spot in the OVC tournament. With the win over UT-Martin and a tie against Murray State in the season finale, the Panthers secured the No. 4 seed and will face the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in the first round on Nov. 4. The Panthers recorded a 1-0 victory over the Colonels earlier this season, and boast a record of 5-1 all time against Eastern Kentucky.

The Nov. 4 matchup will be the first time the Panthers will battle against the Colonels in the OVC tournament.

Going into the tournament the Panthers have played some of their best soccer of the season. The defense has been consistent all season long, but they have looked stronger than ever going into the tournament. Kaylin Lorbert has done a wonderful job in between the crossbars in her senior season, and I don’t see her level of play decreasing any time soon.

Since the Panthers last loss on Oct. 3, opponents have found the back of the net just one time in the final five games of the season. Although the defense is nearly unbeatable, the Panthers chances of advancing deep into the tournament rely on the offensive attack of Coach Perala’s squad.

The offensive attack of the Panthers has faced its share of struggles this season, but with goals in three of their last four games I look for the strong offensive play to continue throughout the OVC tournament. The quality play shown by senior forward Kaitlin Sullivan and junior forward Kristin Germann down the stretch run of the regular season should give the offense the edge over Eastern Kentucky. Although the offense seems to run between Sullivan and Germann, other players must contribute if the Panthers plan on capturing their first conference crown since the 2004 season.

The Panthers are entering the OVC tournament with momentum and history on their side. Coach Perala’s squad has played in five consecutive matches without suffering a loss to round out the regular season. The Panthers are the only team in tournament history to appear in all 12 tournaments since the OVC adopted the format in 1999. The Panthers have also been crowned champions in five of the 12 tournaments. The team is confident and playing at a high level, and I am confident that the Panthers can shock the OVC and bring home their sixth conference title in 13 years.

Jordan Potorff can be reached at 581-7944 or jbpottorff@eiu.edu.