Murray State is 18 holes away from taking the Saluki Invitational from the host, Southern Illinois.

Eastern is in a solid position to capture a top-five finish, as the Panthers find themselves tied for sixth at 332, four strokes away from fifth-place Western Michigan.

The Panthers had four players post lower scores than the field average (86) including freshman Samantha Makovec’s solid performance.

The Rockton native posted an eight-over-par 80 and that put her 11th individually and was the only Panther inside the top 20.

The Racers sprinted out to an early lead on the back of senior Santie Koch. The South African native leads the race for individual medalist by shooting a one-over-par 73, which included tournament-high five birdies.

She will be paired in the final group one shot ahead of Illinois State’s Chelsea Bach and a pair of shots in front of Eastern Kentucky’s Leah Larkin.

Hickory Ridge Golf Club proved to be a stellar test on a day where winds were gusting up to 15 miles per hour and light early-morning rain made the track play longer. The toughest hole on the course was the shortest par 4, as the 341-yard ninth hole played at a stroke and a half over par.

Panthers junior Dale Morris posted 82 while junior Carrie Paul and sophomore Jacky Bodis both came home with 85s. Eastern rounded out by having freshman Amy Simonis shoot 87 and freshman Michelle Deiss bringing up the rear with an 89.

Eastern made only two birdies during its 90 holes played as a team, the Panthers.

The final round will be conducted all day today with results being posted on Tuesday.