The women’s tennis team travels to the Butler Bubble in Indianapolis today to face Butler University and try to grab another victory as they enter the middle of the season.

The Panthers (2-4) are two wins away from .500 winning percentage, a feat they have yet to reach this season. Behind a solid roster, the Panthers are going into a weekend of competition and are ready to face the Bulldogs.

“They have a team as strong as their academic standards,” head coach Brian Holzgrafe said.

“It will be a step up in competition [from Chicago State].”

The Panthers hosted and defeated Chicago State 4-1 Tuesday and are aware the Bulldogs will be a bit tougher opponent.

Butler, members of the Horizon Conference, have many more losses than victories, but Holzgrafe said that despite their record they are a solid team and will be ready to give Eastern a challenge.

“They are going to give us a lesson or two,” said Holzgrafe

Junior Becky Carlson, Eastern’s No. 1 singles player and rugby player, freshman Sarah Freeman and the rest of the seven-player squad are without a dominant voice in the team dynamic.

It’s not because they are with out a leader, it is because they have a team full of leaders.

“It’s a healthy mix,” Holzgrafe said. “Everyone puts in their two bits and that’s important. This team has no one that stands up and dominates – it’s a group setting.”

This “healthy mix” is adding to the competitiveness and productivity of the team.

Holzgrafe said the whole roster is performing well and he is pleased with the overall talent on the team.

“Everyone has a strong beginning,” Holzgrafe said. “But it’s another thing to have a strong ending.”

The women return home to host Austin peay Saturday in their second OVC game.