This weekend is certainly an offensive battle of the catchers as Eastern will take on the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State for a double header on Saturday and a single game Sunday.

The Panthers, currently ranked seventh in the Ohio Valley Conference are led by freshman co-OVC Player of the Week, Sandyn Short, a California native who leads the conference in batting average (.448), on base percentage (.490), and doubles (18).

The Gamecocks, ranked fourth in the OVC, are led by junior catcher Melinda McDonald who leads the team in batting average (.443), on base percentage (.494), runs (47), hits (67), and doubles (16). McDonald is second in the conference in overall batting average, trailing Short by a mere .005.

“Jacksonville State is a great team. They shutout many teams in conference,” said head coach Lloydene Searle. “We just have to go after them. We have to show up and play solid.”

The Panthers (18-27, 6-10) are looking to keep their undefeated record at home (6-0) rolling this weekend as they come off two losses at Tennessee-Martin.

Another key for the series will be the players throwing to the pair of possible all-conference catchers.

Hailing from Rock Island, freshman Andrea Darnell (7-8) will be the probable starter for the Panthers. Darnell comes of a disappointing loss to Tennessee-Martin, giving up seven runs in three innings last Wednesday.

Junior Heather Hoeschen (6-8), will most likely get the nod for game two. Despite strong pitching, Hoeschen also fell to Tennessee-Martin in a 2-1 loss.

“It’s great to be home,” Searle said. “The kids really enjoy it. Combine that with their athletic ability and it gives us a great opportunity.”

The Gamecocks’ junior pitcher Breanne Oleman (7-4) and freshman pitcher Katy White (12-9) look to snap the Panthers home winning streak.

In between games on Saturday afternoon, the newly renovated John and Joan Williams Field will be rededicated in their honor in a short ceremony. The Williams family has been longtime benefactors of Eastern Illinois intercollegiate women’s athletics. They will make the journey from Colorado to be present as well as over 60 softball alumni. Eastern has added several more seats down the base lines to fit capacity for the series this weekend.