Eastern’s softball team has solidified itself as a premier athletic team this year with a record of 29-7 and a very impressive 16-1 record in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The Panthers are rolling right now, winning their last six OVC game, thanks to some brilliant pitching and timely hitting. The combination of senior pitcher Amber May and freshman pitcher Stephanie Maday could be the best one-two combination in the nation. The have propelled Eastern to the best ERA in the nation at 1.16.

May has shown she is the best pitcher in the OVC by posting an 11-0 record in conference this season.

The two pitchers are never short on compliments for their defense, which has been almost as good as the two studs on the mound. The defense ranks No. 10 in the country in terms of fielding percentage. I think the Panther are the clear-cut favorites to host and win the OVC tournament this year.

The pitching will keep them in virtually every game and the offense isn’t half bad either. Sophomore outfielder Melise Brown is one of the best lead off hitters in the nation. She sets the table for Eastern’s offense.

Brown hits over .400, can steal bases and will occasionally hit for power. What more could be asked of a leadoff hitter? Nothing.

I knew going into this season that the Panthers would be a solid team because May had already proven that she is a great pitcher, but the amount of underclassmen that have stepped up and performed at a high level is impressive.

There are only three seniors on Eastern’s team this year, but that includes May. Losing May will be a huge loss, but I am confident the Panthers will find a way to replace her. They might not be able to do it with one pitcher, but perhaps a solid rotation of two or three pitchers could make up for the loss.

If they can do that they would become a powerhouse in the OVC for years to come.

More importantly, Eastern needs to focus on finishing this season strong when it has an immensely talented team. The Panthers have a great team and I think they will prove that in the post-season this year.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or at rdmortell@eiu.edu