CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Eastern Illinois men's tennis continues road play as the Panthers are set to face Bradley in a mid-week matchup at 1 p.m. on Wednesday (March 5).
The Panthers sport an even 3-3 early-season record, while the Braves of Bradley enter at just 2-7 on the year. Common opponents include fellow OVC rival Belmont and Saint Louis, with BU having downed both off respective 4-3 and 6-1 scores. EIU also picked up a victory over the Billikens earlier in the campaign.
"We are really excited about this match," said EIU associate tennis director and men's coach Eric Stark. "Bradley is a very strong team and I think we are really progressing ourselves right now. We look forward to a great day of competition in anticipation for conference play coming up.
"I look for us to come out strong with a lot of energy," he added.
Senior Kevin Bauman leads EIU with a 4-2 overall singles record, playing mostly at the No. 5 spot in the lineup, while sophomores Robert Skolik and Ryan Henderson own 3-2 and 3-3 marks, respectively, at No. 3/4 and No. 2 singles.
In doubles play, the team of Henderson and fellow sophomore Rui Silva enjoy a 4-2 tally at the No. 2 duo spot.
Following Wednesday's match, the Panthers hope to open the home portion of the 2014 slate, as the Panthers are scheduled to join the women's unit for a 1 p.m. dual versus Lindenwood on Friday (March 7). Weather-permitting, the contest is set to take place at the Charleston HS Courts.
... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID
