Skip to main content

Skyhawks fall to EIU in OVC Tournament


CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. --- A first half goal by Eastern Illinois' Teri LaRouche sealed the game for the Panthers, 1-0, over Tennessee-Martin in the semi-finals of the Ohio Valley Conference soccer tournament Friday in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Southeast Missouri went 6-0 in the regular conference season to host the tournament. All games are played at Houck Stadium.

The Skyhawks got off to a rough start in the first half, being out-shot by the Panthers 10-4. Audra Frericks and Beth Liesen made things tough for UT Martin, combining for five shots in the half.

UT Martin had some close calls late in the half. Senior Tavi Renier had two shots for the Skyhawks. Katie Jackson had some good runs at the goal but was never able to complete.

LaRouche picked up the first goal of the game for EIU with less than five minutes left in the half for the 1-0 lead.

Eastern Illinois controlled most of the second half, keeping the ball on UT Martin's side of the field.

The Panthers missed some big opportunities with Skyhawk goalkeeper Caryn Scheufler picking up some key saves throughout the half.

Eastern Illinois pressured the Skyhawks, taking eight corner kicks in the second half to UT Martin's one.

LaRouche's first half goal proved to be enough as Eastern Illinois held on for the 1-0 win.

Scheufler had a season-high 12 saves in the match for UT Martin, allowing one goal. Lindsey Dechert had two saves for the Panthers.

Jackson, Renier and Sherrie Weeks took two shots each for UT Martin. Liesen led EIU with six shots. UT Martin was out shot 24-9 in the match. This was the last match for Skyhawk seniors Weeks, Renier and Scheufler.

The Skyhawks lost to Eastern Illinois 1-0 in the regular season meeting Oct. 25 in Charleston, Ill.

UT Martin finishes its most successful season in its five year history with a 9-7-3 slate. Skyhawk coach Nathan Pifer finishes his third season with the team, posting a UT Martin career record of 13-39-3. Pifer was named the 2002 OVC Coach of the Year at the awards dinner Thursday night.

The Panthers will advance to the OVC championship game at 2 p.m. Sunday. Eastern Illinois plays Southeast Missouri Sunday at 2 p.m. for the OVC championship. Eastern Illinois is the defending OVC champion.

UPDATE Eastern Illinois beat Southeast Missouri Sunday afternoon in the OVC Tournament, 3-2. With the win the Panthers repeat as OVC Champions. Teri LaRouche, who scored the lone goal against UTM, hit her shot in the shootout for the win. She was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Eastern Illinois will advance to the NCAA Tournament.

Article Image
File