Eastern will make its second tournament appearance this season, but this time the team hopes to see different results.

The Panthers (0-5) dropped all five games at the New Mexico State Tournament two weekends ago and have a chance to redeem themselves when they travel to play in the Austin Peay Tournament for five games – two against Ohio Valley Conference foes and three non-conference games.

Eastern head coach Lloydene Searle said her players are excited to get outside for the first time in a few weeks.

“Some of our players have cabin fever,” Searle said. “They are ready to get outside and play some games.”

Eastern plays three games Saturday starting with Lipscomb at 8:30 a.m.

Lipscomb (6-2) has had the most experience so far this season and are coming off four straight victories at the Mercer Holiday Inn Tournament.

Last year the Panthers edged the Bisons 3-2 at the Belmont Invitational in the first meeting between the teams.

“That’s going to be a close game,” Searle said. “We are going to have to put our best foot forward against them.”

Next, they play conference opponent Southeast Missouri at 1:30 p.m. The Otahkians have yet to play a game this year, but finished ahead of the Panthers in OVC regular season standings last year by a game and a half.

Searle has mixed feelings on facing conference opponents before the conference season begins.

“On one hand they know some of our players, but on the other hand, it gives us a chance to look at them and prepare for them later,” Searle said. “You always want to be successful with your conference even if it doesn’t count.”

Eastern ends Saturday’s play against the Missouri Valley Conference’s Creighton (1-3) at 3:30 p.m.

The Panthers open up play Sunday against tournament host Austin Peay. Eastern split the season series against the Governors (0-1-1) last season.

Eastern ends the tournament against Saint Louis, which has had all previous 10 games canceled due to weather conditions. The Billikens won both decisions against the Panthers last year.

One thing the Panthers hope to continue is their fielding and defense. Despite losing their first five games, the Panthers committed less errors than their opponents.

“Our kids are really working together and are communicating well from position to position,” Searle said. “I think that is paying off and we did get a good jump defensively.”

Searle’s main goal is to come away with more than just improvements on offense and consistency on defense. She wants to put a few games in the win column.

“We want to be competitive, but we want to win some games,” Searle said. “Our mind set is to walk away with a ‘W’ or two.”