The Eastern women’s tennis team just wants to compete against somebody not in blue and white.

Panthers head coach Brian Holtzgrafe is resoundingly confident about his squad’s chances to impress in the 2003 season.

“Would I suggest we could end up at the top (of the Ohio Valley Conference)?” Holtzgrafe said.

In his three years at Eastern, Holtzgrafe feels safe in making a bold prediction about his team in general.

“I honestly believe this year’s team has the chance to be the best we’ve ever had here,” Holtzgrafe said.

According to Holtzgrafe, the girls are tired of playing against themselves and are mentally focused to compete in the Panther Invitational Friday and Saturday.

Eastern will be facing Bradley, IUPU-Fort Wayne and Chicago State is signed up to compete. However, Chicago State has had a rash of sickness on its squad and therefore it’s unknown if they will make the trip.

“It’s human nature when emotion meets environment and you measure how well you reacted,” Holtzgrafe said. “We need that find-a-way concept.”

The Panthers will be hosting the event which will allow for the three freshman in the starting lineup to get their feet wet to start the season.

“It’s a blessing to be here at home,” Holtzgrafe said. “The environment is ripe for success.”

The Panthers will be relying on the upperclassmen like senior Amber Lenfert and Becky Brunner along with junior Sarah Freeman on the team for momentum but Holtzgrafe believes the freshmen will provide a fresh excitement during matches.

“I’m kind of a old-fashioned coach in the sense that I will start my older kids up front.”

However, Holtzgrafe didn’t rule out the possibility of 15-year-old Russian native Madina Membetova making an impact in her collegiate debut.

“I may have a 15-year-old in the upper draw but I honestly have no clue what my draw will be,” Holtzgrafe said.