The Eastern hockey club lost its final series of the season this weekend, falling twice to Robert Morris on Friday and Saturday.

The Panthers fell in the first game by a score of 4-2 and then again in the second game by a score of 5-3.

In each of the two games, late empty net goals added to the Robert Morris lead, being able to pull away from the Panthers in the final minutes.

“Both of the games were very close,” senior defenseman Brad Bartosz said. “We lost by two in both of them, and RMU scored an empty net goal in both games. Ultimately, we had a few defensive zone breakdowns that cost us a couple of the goals that led them to the win.”

Despite the losses, Bartosz said he was still happy with the team’s efforts.

“I was happy with every ones effort and we definitely went down swinging,” he said.

Despite the hardships in the second half of the season, a highlight of the year for senior team captain Michael Sorrentino was beating rival Illinois on the road in Champaign.

“We had a lot of positive things happen this season, beating U of I in Champaign was defiantly one thing,” he said.

Sorrentino also said he’s confident in the group of players returning next season.

“Also, we know we have a good core of returning guys coming back next year,” he said. “Although we will be losing some key seniors the future remains bright.”

Junior Andrew Maronich said the team would continue to recruit in the off-season in order to make the team better.

“We will be holding a few recruit skates in the off season, so that way we get an early look at the incoming freshman class that will be playing for us next year,” he said. “Most of us have some kind of summer team or summer skates that we will be attending in order to get ready for next season.”

The Panthers end the season with an overall record of 9-15-3.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].