Eastern’s women’s tennis team was glad to welcome back Jana Matouskova this weekend after she was forced to sit out the past few weeks due to injury.

Matouskova competed against Ohio Valley Conference foe Morehead State Saturday. She teamed with Jill Wirtz for the Panthers only doubles victory.

“Jana gave an excellent performance,” Holzgrafe said. “It is difficult to have to play up to her ability. She is capable of beating anyone in the OVC. That just kind of goes to show if we have her back somewhat healthy and can bring that concept of team back. It will be an awesome test of doing our best.”

Eastern started the season winning eight of its first 10 matches. The Panthers were able to play well in Matouskova’s absence,

collecting three wins in four matches, but the Panthers look much stronger with their No. 1 player back in the lineup with the Ohio Valley Conference Championship (April 28-30) approaching.

However, Matouskova’s return did not help the Panthers defeat Morehead, and lost the match 5-2.

Morehead took two of three doubles matches from the Panthers for one team point and won four of the six singles matches.

A pair of Beckys gave Eastern a pair of singles victories for its two team points. Becky Brunner and Becky Carlson were the only singles players to win for the Panthers against Morehead.

Matouskova was not the only player suffering from injuries so far this season. Eastern head coach Brian Holzgrafe said how the team dealt with its injuries has shaped the character of the team.

“The best thing about the women’s team was their fight,” Holzgrafe said. “Because of injuries it has become more of an individual effort. Earlier in the season we were defeating better teams and now we’re losing to teams that are just solid. The team chemistry has gone through some bumps and bruises. They need to realize that from here on out it needs to be more of a team effort.”

The Panthers rebounded against Southeast Missouri State Sunday. Eastern won all three doubles matches and five of the six singles matches.

The Panthers will be in action again Saturday against Eastern Kentucky University.