CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Both the Eastern Illinois men's and women's tennis squad return to the court this coming weekend, playing a combined five matches in two days at the Pine Ridge Racquet and Fitness Club in Fort Wayne, Ind.

The men take on Dayton on Saturday morning, followed by an evening match versus Robert Morris and a Sunday afternoon contest against the host IPFW Mastadons.  The women, meanwhile, will also face Robert Morris on Saturday and IPFW on Sunday.

The men and women enter the weekend at 1-2 and 1-3 overall, respectively.  Both teams have downed instate and future OVC foe SIU-Edwardsville earlier in the spring session.

"We look forward to going to IPFW this weekend," said head coach John Blackburn.  "This is our fourth straight year going to their place.  It will give us a chance to play several good matches in one weekend, while also playing inside a nice facility.  It'll be a busy couple of days, but should also be a good opportunity to get in some good tennis."

Dayton enters the weekend with 0-3 and 2-2 records for the men and women, the Robert Morris squads are both 0-1, and the host IPFW men and women are 0-4 and 2-1, respectively, prior to Friday matches.

Coach Blackburn says he may continue to tweak the singles and doubles lineups throughout the weekend, in hopes to finding just the right fit.

Senior Vuk Milicevic is currently riding a two match winning streak, after downing his No. 3 opponents from SIUE and Saint Louis and sits at 2-1 on the early spring season.

Junior Hayley Homburg# is also enjoying a two match streak to record a 2-2 record, playing mostly at No. 3 singles.  Sophomore Cara Huck and freshman Shannon Brooks, meanwhile, have each picked up recent wins at No. 2 and No. 6, respectively.

Following this weekend, the men travel to Northern Illinois on Jan. 20, followed by matches against South Dakota State and at Marquette up in Milwaukee on Jan. 21-22.  The Panther women will head to Cedar Falls, Iowa for bouts against South Dakota State and the host Panthers of Northern Iowa.

COMPLETE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
(All times Central)

Saturday, Feb. 14:
EIU Men vs. Dayton ... 8 am
EIU Men vs. Robert Morris ... 5 pm
EIU Women vs. Robert Morris ... 5 pm

Sunday, Feb. 15:
EIU Women at IPFW ... 7 am
EIU Men at IPFW ... Noon

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID