Eastern coach Jason Cherry said the two losses to Tennessee-Martin and Southeast Missouri over the weekend were a good reminder to his newcomers of what conference is about.

The Panthers lost 3-1 to Tennessee-Martin Friday and were shut out, 5-0, by SEMO Sunday.

“It was a good weekend for the newcomers to realize what it is about,” Cherry said. “I think Friday we played really well. Sunday, we got outplayed, unfortunately. SEMO came out with a lot of intensity and was really organized.”

Eastern did get a goal from sophomore defender Carrie Caplin from a free kick about 35 yards out, which hit the crossbar and went in the net.

That was the only goal the Panthers scored over the weekend.

Cherry said his defense was shorthanded over the weekend and has about five to six players that are playing at 70 to 80 percent.

“That is kind of tough to play two games in three days at this level at this intensity and really put out a good performance,” he said. “But I think we just have to be a little more disciplined and structured defensively and take a lot of pride defensively, which I didn’t see this weekend the way I wanted to. I know we’re better.”

Eastern will be on the road again for its third-straight conference match as it heads to Belmont Friday at 4 p.m. The Panthers will then be at home for four-straight conference matches. Eastern will play Jacksonville State at 1 p.m. Sunday at Lakeside Field.

Bob Reynolds can be reached at 581-2812 or rjreynolds@eiu.edu