Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Trey Burke Stephanie Lynch had five saves, recording her sixth shutout of the season, best in the OVC.

The Colonels finished their final conference weekend with splitting results. A disappointing 1-0 loss to Eastern Illinois came before a competitive 1-0 win against Southeast Missouri State.

Eastern (5-10-3, 2-3-3 OVC) had to pick up one win this weekend to put them in contention for an OVC conference tournament berth. A few other results also have to swing in the Colonel's favor to guarantee postseason play.

"We don't control our destiny," Eastern's head coach, Lindsay Basalyga, said. "But our players know it's do or die time."

The Colonels entered the game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers (7-6-5, 3-2-2 OVC) with a goal drought spreading four consecutive games. The Colonels routinely outshot teams, but were unable to find a finishing touch in front of the goal.

Eastern's scoring troubles continued as they out shot the Panthers on attempts 15-3 but failed to score a single goal. Neither side was able to break the deadlock until the Panthers crossed the ball, leading to a goal.

Eastern was unable to find an equalizer in the second half, despite putting four shots on frame.

The result condemned the Colonels to put their postseason hopes in other results. The Southeast Missouri Redhawks (7-6-3, 2-2-3 OVC) would have to lose to Eastern and Murray State to knock out the Colonels and secure their own spot.

Eastern hosted the Redhawks on Senior Day and four graduating seniors, Jessica Goshert, Eva Hollenberg, Lauren Imsande, and Maddy Shumaker, were honored in a pre-match ceremony.

Both teams battled for possession early on, but neither was able to find the net. Eastern keeper Stephanie Lynch was called into action 20 minutes into the match.

Lynch, who leads the OVC in shutouts, denied the Redhawks a sure goal with a double save.

The Colonels opened the second half dominating the territorial tussle. Eastern pressed higher up the pitch to keep the ball in the Redhawks' own half. The Colonel's free flowing attack was unable to find any forwards in good scoring positions.

Eastern's corners also provided a threat at goal. Following the delivery, Goshert found the ball at her feet just beyond the penalty box and took a shot, sending the ball narrowly over the crossbar. Goshert once again imposed herself from a corner, heading the ball just beyond the frame of goal.

Continued...

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