Wright State Shootout Results (PDF)

DAYTON, Ohio -- Eastern Illinois men's tennis opened fall play at the recent multi-squad Wright State Shootout, as the Panthers finished 12-14 in singles and 5-4 in doubles action.

"We had some moments and matches where we competed and played very well," said EIU head coach John Blackburn.  "I think having teams in the finals of two of the top 3 doubles flights was a positive sign for us. Warren had a good weekend and has won the B Doubles flight at this event two years in a row."

Senior Warren Race joined freshman Robert Skolik for the duo title in 'B Doubles' as the pair out-hit their Dayton opponents, 8-6; beat Ohio Dominican, 8-4, then topped Robert Morris, 8-4, for the title and perfect 3-0 mark.

"I also think the results show we have a chance to be a very deep team this year, which will be important in the OVC in the spring," added Blackburn.

The EIU teaming of newcomer Rui Silva and sophomore David Constantinescu went 2-1 on the weekend to earn runner-up honors in 'C Doubles', defeating their Dayton and Northern Kentucky opponents by identical 8-4 scores, before falling to Vincennes, 8-5.

In singles action, senior Michael Sperry paced Eastern with a consolation championship at the top of the lineup in 'A Singles'.  After losing to his Vincennes opponent in straight sets, he would go on a 3-0 run, including defeating Wright State's top player by an 8-5 score for the honor.

Three different Panthers went 2-1 in singles action to earn semifinalist honors, including Race in 'B Singles, Constantinescu in 'C Singles' and Skolik in 'D Singles'.

"We're excited about some of our results this weekend," said Blackburn, "but feel like we have a lot of room for improvement and will look to be a stronger group for our next match."

The Panthers will next host Missouri-St. Louis in a rare fall home match, set for 2 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 3 at the Rex Darling Courts on EIU's campus.

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