Think about what the softball team has been through.

Spending spring break in California and extending that trip for nearly another week in Hawaii for a second tournament may seem ideal to the Eastern student still freezing in Charleston.

Starting the return trip at 5 a.m. Monday in Hawaii, flying across the continent and landing in the Midwest at 6 a.m. is quite a day. And the Panthers still had a game to play.

Opening up its conference season Tuesday certainly gave the advantage to Eastern Kentucky, but despite all the trials and tribulations within the past 48 hours, the Panthers stepped onto Williams Field with enthusiasm.

The only sign of the recent trip was their tan.

Senior Melissa Slama showed Panther fans why she was named to the Hawaii Invitational All-Tournament team Sunday with the only two hits in Eastern’s lineup, but players like Carissa Friedewald, Carrie Ninness, Jen Green and Amy Barr made contact with the ball Tuesday night.

While Eastern’s offense stepped up to the plate with determination, the defense maintained its energy. Maybe they were still on Hawaii time.

The outfield carried Eastern’s defensive efforts with catches by Barr, Ninness and centerfielder Jenny Herber while the infield impressed the fans with connections by shortstop Kari Hagerty and Friedewald at second base.

Eastern hasn’t seen its home field since March 8, and despite its 12 losses since then, the Panthers are ready for conference action. Facing teams from California, New Mexico, Hawaii and Tokoyo has added a new spark to Eastern’s performance.

The Panthers have faced teams who opened their season weeks before with the help of warmer locations and better playing conditions. Illinois opened up Eastern’s season with a 11-6 record after competing in several tournaments, and while the Panthers picked up two losses from the Fighting Illini, they were able to face a competitive team with a strong pitching staff and solid batters.

Seeing teams with experience definitely has its disadvantages, such as the 12 losses Eastern has had, but it also has its brighter aspects. With conference season continuing today with two more games against Eastern Kentucky this afternoon begining at 1 p.m., the Panthers hopefully will shake off some jet lag and will be able to show off what they’ve learned out West.