Live State (via Purdue website)

CHARLESTON, Ill. – The Eastern Illinois men's tennis squad is set to open up the official spring portion of the schedule this coming weekend, traveling to Big Ten power Purdue for a 2 pm (CST) match on Monday (Jan. 18) in West Lafayette, Ind.

“We're really excited to be opening up the season against such a quality opponent as Purdue,” said head coach John Blackburn. “The guys are excited about the opportunity to rise to the challenge of this level of play.”

The Panthers return four letterwinners from last season, including two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference honoree, and lone senior, Jeff Rutherford. Rutherford enters his final season with a career singles mark of 37-27 all-time, including an even 21-21 mark at the top of the lineup.

Also returning to the EIU lineup are junior transfer Vance Davis and sophomores Jamie Firth and Matyas Hilgert. Four freshmen newcomers looking to make an immediate impact, include local Charleston product Andy Bays and Justin Haag, Warren Race, and Michael Sperry.

“We have a young team this year,” said Blackburn, “with our freshmen likely to see a lot of playing time for us this year. We've been focusing on the mental side of the game at practice this week since the team as a whole came in hitting the ball pretty well following fall season play.”

Eastern finished the 2009 spring campaign at 10-13, going 3-5 in OVC play to tie for sixth place and earning a spot at the end-of-season six-squad league championship. Purdue, who will also play host to fellow OVC foe Eastern Kentucky on Monday as well, went 7-16 in 2009 to finish in 10th place in the Big Ten.

Live stats of the match, which may be accessed by clicking the link above, are available via Purdue's website.

The Panthers will return to the court on Sun., January 24, traveling to Indiana yet again to face IPFW at 3 pm central time.

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