Oct. 24, 2003

Box Score

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Southeast faced a tough defeat tonight, as they fell to Eastern Illinois 3-0. The Otahkians (8-5-4) move to 3-3-1 in the conference, as they fall right in the center of the OVC battle to make the tournament.

Despite Southeast's early dominance in the first half with four close shots, Eastern Illinois (9-4-4, 5-0-2 OVC) came up with the early lead as they stretched the score to 2-0 at the half. Senior forward Beth Liesen put the Panthers on the board in the tenth minute of play. Liesen received the ball in center field off a long bomb from sophomore midfielder Morgan Frericks on the right plank. She crossed the ball in front of Southeast keeper to the left corner of the net.

Junior defender Audra Frericks added another for the Panthers off a one-ft. header shot, assisted by junior midfielder Rachel Dorfman. She put Eastern up 2-0 going into the half, although Southeast held an 8-7 advantage in the shot department.

In the 81st minute, it was senior Beth Liesen again one-on-one with keeper Amanda Wrzos as she chipped the ball over the head of Wrzos to add insurance for the Panthers. Liesen was credited with the game-winning goal, as she scored her 17th season goal.

Southeast was edged out in shooting 15-11, as Eastern also held a 7-1 advantage in corners. Senior keeper Amanda Wrzos faced 15 Panther shots, saving 10. EIU keeper Tiffany Groene faced 11 Otahkians shots, while saving six to record the shut out.

The Otahkians will now have a week's rest going into their final game of the regular season. Southeast will play host to Tennessee Tech next Friday, October 31. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Houck Stadium.