BSU M-Tennis Info

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Eastern Illinois men's tennis will return to the court on Friday (Feb. 24) afternoon, traveling to Midwest foe Ball State for a 2 p.m. match.

The Panthers enter the weekend with a 0-3 early season record after falling at IPFW last Saturday by a 6-1 score.

The Cardinals of Ball State, meanwhile, sport a 9-2 overall mark.  After dropping two early-season matches, BSU is currently enjoying a nine-match winning streak, which includes recent wins over IUPUI and Illinois State by scores of 6-1 and 4-3, respectively.

Eastern is led on the court by senior Matyas Hilgert with a 2-1 overall singles record, having played at both No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the lineup.

When Hilgert has teamed with junior Michael Sperry, the Panther duo own a 2-1 doubles record at the top of the lineup, with their first loss of the season coming at IPFW last weekend.

Meanwhile, leading the Ball State squad is Ray Leonard at 9-2 in dual meet action, including a 6-0 record at No. 2 singles  Patrick Elliott and Austin Smith both sport 8-2 singles marks.  While the duo of Derek Carpenter and Zane Smith are 9-1 overall and 7-1 at No. 2 doubles.

Following Friday's action, the Panthers will next head to instate rival Northern Illinois for a 2 p.m. match to be played a week from Saturday on March 3.

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