Eastern aims to bounce back and win its first Summit League match of the season against Oral Roberts.

The Panthers are currently 0-1-1 in conference play, with the most recent match being a 3-0 loss to in-state rival Western Illinois.

Eastern was without senior defenseman and co-captain Graham Lynch in the loss to Western due to a one-match suspension, but he will be ready to play against Oral Roberts. Lynch was issued the suspension after receiving a red card against Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Lynch has one goal and one assist in 10 games this season.

Oral Roberts is led offensively by Jarrett Hamilton, who has one goal and one assist this season. Aaron Douthit leads the team with 19 shots but has connected on just one goal.

The Golden Eagles struggle offensively, shooting 100 shots and connecting with 11 goals in eight games.

However, Oral Roberts’ opponents have been able to take advantage of the Golden Eagles mistakes, scoring 24 goals on 133 shots.

The Golden Eagles come into the match with a 2-6-0 record, while the Panthers enter at 4-6-1 this season.

Eastern is second in the Summit League in terms of getting shots off and Head Coach Adam Howarth said the team needs to start connecting on more of those shots if the team is going to be successful.

The Panthers are led offensively by freshmen midfielders Jake Brillhart and Will Butler. Each player leads the team with seven points this season.

Defensively, Eastern gives up 1.7 goals per game. Sophomore Tyler Kelley and junior Evan Turner have both logged considerable minutes behind the net. Kelley has a 1.54 goals allowed average in five games, while Turner has a 1.66 goals-against average in seven games.

Oral Roberts is led defensively by goalkeeper Nick Petolick. Petolick has a 2.78 goals-against average in seven starts this season. He has also made 30 saves with a record of 2-5.

The Panthers are off to a good start at home posting a 1-0-1 record early this season. Also, Oral Roberts has struggled on the road beginning this season, tallying a record of 1-2 thus far.

The match is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Friday at Lakeside Field.

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