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MOREHEAD, Ky. – The No. 5 seed Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team will make its third consecutive appearance in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament when the Colonels play the No. 4 seed Eastern Illinois on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. at Morehead State’s Jayne Stadium.

“This is our third consecutive appearance in just six years as a program and the third appearance for our senior class,” head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. “This year we are looking to write a different ending to our season than we have in our previous two appearances, and I certainly think we are capable of doing so. But, its tournament time and every team is fighting to keep their season alive.”

While the Colonels are still looking for their first-ever OVC Tournament win, EKU is one of only four teams in the OVC to qualify for postseason play each of the last three years and has solidified itself as one of the most consistent programs in the conference.

The Colonels (7-9-2, 4-4-0 OVC) went on the road and were narrowly defeated by the Panthers (6-8-5, 3-2-3 OVC), 1-0, during the regular season. EKU is 1-4 all time against EIU with its only win in the series coming on Oct. 10, 2008. Senior Alex Raich scored the game-tying goal against the Panthers in that matchup.

On paper, Thursday’s matchup appears to pit a potent EKU offense against a solid EIU defense. During conference play, EKU is second in the league in points (26), goals (10) and goals/game (1.25). EIU, meanwhile, is second in the league in goals allowed (three) and goals against average (0.35).

The Colonels are led in the attack by freshman forward Nicole Donnelly, who has scored six goals on the season, four of which have come during OVC play and two of which were game-winners against Murray State and UT Martin. Senior midfielder Carly Muller has also been effective in the attack as she has four goals and one assist on the season. Donnelly and Muller are surrounded by a cast of talented distributors as Raich, sophomore Katie Collar and freshmen Lauren Fant and Brittany Nomady all have two assists on the season.

The Colonel defense has surrendered only seven goals in eight OVC games this season and is led by junior Stephanie Murray, who has played every minute of every game this season, and sophomore Deja Tennon, a converted forward. Senior goalkeeper Stephanie Lynch has added to her reputation by recording five shutouts this season, three of which came during OVC play.

Kristin Germann, who scored the game-winner against the Colonels earlier this season, leads EIU with five goals. However, if history is any indication, EKU will have to keep a close watch on Kaitlin Sullivan, who has scored a goal in each of the Panthers’ last two OVC Tournament games, both played against Morehead State.

EIU’s stingy defense is led by senior goalkeeper Kaylin Lorbert, who has recorded a league-best six shutouts in only eight OVC games this season.

The winner of Thursday’s game will advance to the semifinals to face regular season champion Morehead State on Friday at 5:00 p.m.

All OVC Tournament games are available online at www.ovcsports.tv. Live stats will also be available by game time.