Eastern learned its lesson in the third match of the season against Butler, losing 7-0 Jan. 28.

Shortly after the early season loss, coach Brian Holzgrafe had a talk with his team about their potential and what he felt they could do better.

“We didn’t play very well, or fight very hard (against Butler,” Holzgrafe said. “I told the kids the only thing that sets these kids apart from the top is themselves. When I first took the job, I said I am an easy-going guy. I demand your attitude and effort.'”

The discussion Holzgrafe had with his team paid off in a big way, serving as a catalyst for one of the biggest victories in Panther’s tennis history against Marquette Jan. 31.

“Marquette was quoted as ‘having their best team they had in 28 years'” Holzgrafe said. “I can tell that they have always had a very good team. After getting a little timing and getting their confidence, it was probably one of the biggest wins, which shows the potential of the team.”

Junior C.J. Weber said the loss against Butler opened their eyes a little bit, and they responded with a better showing in their next match.

“(The loss against Butler) was a wakeup call,” Weber said. “We have the potential to beat teams like that. But I think (the loss) is what helped us out in the weekend game when we played Green Bay (Wisconsin) and Marquette.”

Weber, who was fighting cramps, found himself trailing against his opponent Eigintas Vendrickas 5-4 with Vendrickas serving for the match and team victory.

“One thing that my coach said about this guy is when he gets in pressure stations, he doesn’t handle them well,” Weber said. “If he needed a point to win a match, he would play a little more conservative and that is exactly what happened. I had a feeling that the match was riding on my match. When we won the match, that was the first big step for the team.”

Eastern is beginning its season with several returning players and a young lineup consisting of only three seniors: Lucas Pluta, Jeff Rhodes and Matt Sadler.

Rounding out the rest of Eastern’s young team are juniors Brandon Blankenbaker, Jason Girardin, Eric Stuertz and Weber and freshmen Andrew Meyer and Colin Priestner.

The Panther’s next match will be at Cleveland State Feb. 20.

“From top to bottom I have great kids, and that is a luxury in this day and age,” Holzgrafe said.