The Eastern women’s soccer team recorded its first win of the season this past weekend, defeating Cleveland State in overtime by a score of 3-2.

Senior Kristin Germann led the way for the Panthers, scoring all three goals in the contest.

The wind was blowing at Lakeside Field on Sunday, which had some effects during the match. The Panthers out-shot the Vikings 12-6 in the first half, when Eastern was playing with the wind, but when the teams switched sides for the second half, Cleveland State out-shot the Panthers 9-7. In the overtime period, Cleveland State played into the wind and did not record a shot.

Both of Cleveland State’s goals came when the Vikings were playing with the wind, and Eastern head coach Summer Perala said the wind helped both teams.

“The wind was advantageous to both teams today,” Perala said. “The fact that (Cleveland State) was able to utilize the big boots that they have, our goalkeepers just need to be a little bit more aware of where they are in goal in relation to the ball in the field.”

Both teams made changes at goalkeeper in the match, with red-shirt junior Jessica Taldone being pulled for the first time this season. Taldone gave up two goals, but made three saves in her 74 minutes of playing time. Taldone was replaced by freshman Emily Hinton, who made one save in her 18 minutes of action.

Cleveland State made its goalkeeper change at halftime, pulling Sarah Wood after the first 45 minutes. Wood made four saves, while giving up one goal. Wood was replaced by Becca Coleman, who would play the rest of the match. Colman recorded two saves, while giving up one goal.

The Panthers have now played three straight matches in overtime to start the 2012 season. Prior to this season, the team had played three matches that went into overtime in the 2010 and 2011 season combined.

Eastern now holds a 2-0 all-time record over Cleveland State, defeating the Vikings in the first ever meeting between the two in 2009 by a score of 2-1. This was the first time the two have met at Lakeside Field.

The Panthers will be back on the road for their next match, taking on Indiana State at 7 p.m., Friday in Terre Haute, Ind.

Around the OVC

Evansville took down Murray State by a score of 2-0 on Sunday. Eastern will play Evansville on Sept. 7.

Tennessee Tech was shut out 2-0 against Davidson, dropping the Golden Eagles to 1-2-1 on the season.

Jacksonville State scored three goals in the first half en route to a 5-0 win over Alabama A&M. The Gamecocks are 3-1 to start the season.

Appalachian State defeated new Ohio Valley Conference member Belmont 1-0, handing Belmont its first loss of the season.

Tennessee-Martin outshot Mississippi Valley State 32-4, leading the Skyhawks to a 6-1 victory in the Bulldog Invitational.

Southeast Missouri managed a 2-1 win over Drake on Sunday, and will now prepare for the Tropical Smoothie Invitational in Lexington, Ky., where its first match will be against Louisville.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-2812 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.