The Panthers have not allowed multiple goals in a regular season conference game since Sept. 26, 2004, when they tied with Tennessee Tech 2-2. That is a span of 21 games.

“This program always has taken a lot of pride in defending well,” Nowak said. “You look at last year’s team, the defensive success they had.”

In the 2005 season, Eastern scored 18 goals and gave up 17.

“History has proven that we’re not going to score a whole lot of goals,” Nowak said.

This season, the Panthers have scored 13 goals through 13 games and have given up 18.

“The team defensively knows that they need to put a solid effort,” Nowak said. “If you defend well, there’s always the chance to win a game.”

Freshmen power players

Freshman forward Laura Rudolfi recorded her first career goal Friday in Eastern’s 1-1 tie at Tennessee Tech.

“She was excited,” Nowak said. “She had a lot of energy.”

Also, freshman defender Maggie Gabris recorded her second assist of the year.

“I thought we came out playing pretty well,” Nowak said.

The freshmen class has 56 of the team’s 178 shots so far and have scored five of the 13 goals.

“From day one, the freshman class has contributed a lot of energy, been very enthusiastic, gave everyone a shot in the arm,” Nowak said.

There are eight freshmen on the 21-player roster.

Freshman midfielder Alexis Miller was the first Panther to score a goal in the 2006 season.

“They’ve had their ups and downs as all freshmen will, coming into this level, but they’ve all managed to step up at different times,” Nowak said. “The future definitely looks good.”

Panther sees limited time due to injury

Freshman forward Rachel Hamilton scored the game-winning goal in the 2-1 victory against Loyola on Sept. 3.

Since then, Hamilton has seen limited playing due to an injury.

“She’s been having a little nagging quad injury throughout the year,” Nowak said. “She’s a player that can eject a little bit of speed. Rachel’s doing a good job of learning from those older players and making the most of her opportunities.”

Melinauskas returns to action

When Eastern played Southeast Missouri on Sept. 29 at Lakeside Field, sophomore forward Pam Melinauskas took the field in the second half for her first game of the year. “I had seven-eight weeks of buildup,” Melinauskas said. “I was dead tired and it was exciting. My team was supportive.”

Not only was Melinauskas happy, but so was her roommate and teammate, junior forward Michelle Steinhaus.

“She’s been bummed out since she’s been hurt in the summer,” Steinhaus said. “She’s finally back and playing, that’s all she talks about at home. I’m so excited I get to see her out there and grin from ear-to-ear.”

Melinauskas started her first game of the year on Sunday against Austin Peay.

“She’s a pretty tough kid,” Nowak said. “She’s willing to give her body up.”

Panthers temporarily out of action

In the game against Tennessee Tech on Friday, junior midfielder Kathleen Hayes was injured in the first 10 minutes.

“She landed funny on her left foot,” Nowak said.

Hayes left the game and did not return but returned on Sunday’s game against Austin Peay.

When Eastern Illinois played Southeast Missouri on Sept. 29, sophomore defender Lindsey Wilkening was injured within the first two minutes of the game.

“I just went up for a header and her arm came across me and hit me in the nose,” Wilkening said. Wilkening returned to the starting lineup against Tennessee Tech on Friday.