Issue date: 10/2/09 Section: Sports

Senior forward Rachel Hamilton falls during the match against Western Illinois Sept. 24 at Lakeside Field.(Amir Prellberg/The Daily Eastern News)

The stakes are high going into the women's soccer team's second conference match at 2:30 p.m. Sunday contest against Austin Peay at Lakeside Field.

According to head coach Summer Perala, getting off to a good start in the Ohio Valley Conference will be important.

"For us to set an example by winning, it'll build a lot of confidence on the team," Perala said, "(The girls) will realize that, yes, they can get it done."

Eastern (4-4-4, 0-0-1 OVC) will enter Sunday's match in sixth place in the Ohio Valley Conference after playing its first match last Sunday with a tie against Southeast Missouri. Austin Peay (1-8-2, 0-1-1) is currently in eighth place, but according to Perala, the standings don't matter.

"The great thing about (the OVC) is that the level of play between the first-place team and last-place team isn't all that different," she said.

Although the team's opponent has only won one match, Perala said Austin Peay is a lot stronger than last year, but have been hurt by some injuries.

"They play a similar style to us," Perala said. "Their midfield is fairly strong, and they're going to get up and win some challenges."

Perala has noticed the Lady Govs have two up-front runners who have good pace. She believes Eastern will have to keep an eye on them.

With the injuries the Lady Govs have suffered, Perala said she thinks the Panthers can tire their opponents out.

"I think if we can keep the ball moving and make them chase us then we'll probably end up on the positive side of things," Perala said.

Eastern will look to build off many improvements that were made in Wednesday's match against Evansville, which resulted in a 2-0 loss.

"Everyone was working hard and the communication was there," Perala said. "Now, we just have to focus on finishing on the opportunities that we get."

Perala said Friday's practice is going to be focused on finishing and making sure they're getting within the Austin Peay zone.

"We've got to work more on getting our services inside," Perala said, "Just not to their goalie."

According to Perala, now that the Panthers know they can play, her expectations for them are high.

"The expectation is not to drop a level," Perala said, "Just because they had one good game doesn't mean that they can take a step backwards."

Austin Peay has struggled offensively, putting up less that one goal per match. However, four of its losses have come in one-goal matches.

The Lady Govs have traveled across the nation to play against team such as Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Air Force and South Florida.

Sunday will be their third conference match.

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7944 or admcnamee@eiu.edu.

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