The Eastern women’s soccer team won a postseason match for the second consecutive season in 2019, coming after several years near the bottom of the OVC.

The Panthers also lost several of their top contributors on both offense and defense after last season.

The team’s top two scorers, Sarah DeWolf and Lexi Ketterhagen, both graduated. Goalkeeper Sara Teteak, who was named the OVC Defensive Player of the Year last season, also graduated, as did defensive standout Lindsey Carlson.

Here are some of the returners on both offense and defense that will likely play a big role this upcoming season.

Haylee Renick

The Panthers’ top returning scorer from last season, forward Haylee Renick should be a big part of the Panther offense this season.

Renick finished last season tied for second on the team with 3 goals and in third place with 7 points. This season will be Renick’s senior campaign.

Itxaso Aguero

Forward Itxaso Aguero was tied for the team lead with 3 assists and tied for fourth on the team with 5 points.

She was also named to the All-OVC second-team last season as a junior.

Pilar Barrio

Tying Aguero with 3 assists last season was forward Pilar Barrio. Barrio also had 5 points for the year. She also led the team in shooting percentage, with 13 of her 19 shots being shots on goal.

Barrio will also be a senior this season.

Nicoletta Anuci

The third Panther to have 5 points was midfielder Nicoletta Anuci, who did so as a freshman.

Anuci was fourth on the team with two goals and figures to play a bigger role in the Panthers’ scoring attack as a sophomore.

Victoria Wharton

Carlson’s departure leaves a void on the Panther defense, and Victoria Wharton will be one of the players to try and make up for that loss. Wharton was the only player on the team to play all 1,716 minutes last season, helping anchor the defense that finished second in the OVC in goals allowed per game.

Adam Tumino can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].