Prior to getting her first start with the Panthers on Jan. 4 against Morehead State, Eastern freshman guard Karle Pace was spending most of her time, about 29 minutes per game to be exact, watching the game unfold from the bench.

However, since her first start on Jan. 4, Pace has started in seven of the Panthers’ last eight games and after scoring a career-high 31 points in her last game Saturday against Tennesse State, Pace was named the OVC Freshman of the Week.

In her 31-point explosion, Pace played in a season high 38 minutes, shooting 11-of-18 from the field, highlighting what she has been able to do for Eastern on the court since taking over a starting job.

Pace is averaging 12.6 points per game in her last eight games and has tallied 14 saves over that span.

As a team, the Panthers have been struggling, regardless of Pace’s output on the court.

Eastern is riding out a five-game losing streak and is 2-19 on the season.

Senior point guard Grace Lennox suffered a season ending injury in December and the team’s other upperclassmen have been struggling.

But the play of Pace and fellow freshman guard Taylor Steele have served as glimpses into what the program and first-year head coach Matt Bollant can accomplish, not only next year, but for seasons to come.

JJ Bullock can be reached at 581-2812 or jpbullock@eiu.edu