The Eastern women’s soccer team enters this week with a 1-2-1 record in OVC conference play, putting them in seventh place in the OVC standings. Of the nine teams in the

conference, Tennessee-Martin ranks as the top team with a 4-1 conference record.

Eastern’s offense is middle of the pack statistically when compared to other teams. Statistically, they rank: sixth in shots, fifth in points, seventh in goals, seventh in goals per game, fifth in assists, and sixth in assists per game.

Defensively, Eastern ranks first in total saves with 75, nine above second place Morehead State. 

However, while the save numbers have been impressive from Faith Davies this year at goalkeeper for Eastern, the Panthers are currently ranked last in goals allowed and goals against average (1.9).

Murray State, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, and Tennessee-Martin have proved to be the best offenses statistically this year. Tennessee-Martin and Murray State are tied in first for shots (164), points (63), and goals (23). Southern Illinois-Edwardsville is first in goals per game (1.8) and assists (18). All three teams rank in the top three of these categories.

Tennessee-Martin is proving to be the all-around most dominant team in the OVC, however, as they have shown to have a prolific offense that has coupled well with a sound defense. 

Currently, the Skyhawks is allowing the least goals per game at just one per contest.

As the schedule comes to the final stage, Eastern has four conference matches left. They head to Southeast Missouri this Thursday for a 6 p.m. match, followed by a home game against Belmont on Sunday at 1 p.m. 

The Panthers will then play a make-up match against Southeast Missouri on Tuesday, Oct. 19, which was originally postponed due to bad weather, before finishing the regular season at Austin Peay on Sunday, Oct. 24.

Eastern is proving to be a solid team with offensive flair this season. However, their remaining schedule will not be easy. They will have to face serious competition as they continue to the OVC tournament. Four games to go with each potential point earned proving more valuable than ever. It’s go time, and the Panthers are ready for the challenge. 

Nick Bays can be reached at 581-2812 or ntbays@eiu.edu