After Eastern’s men’s tennis team got its first win of the season Friday, not a lot has changed for the team coach Samuel Kercheval said.

“It was nice to get the win but the guys are very aware that we are nowhere near where we want to be or need to be for the competitions ahead,” Kercheval said.

The team swept St. Francis Friday giving Eastern its first win of the season. The Panthers’ record now stands at 1-5.

Throughout the season, the team has focused on a number of different aspects of its game in practice: handling pace (especially in doubles), communication on the court, controlling emotions and having high energy throughout a match.

This week, in preparation for the match Saturday against IUPUI, the team has focused on working harder. This means “trying to up the focus and intensity with everything we are doing,” Kercheval said.

IUPUI currently has a 2-5 record and is riding a three-match losing streak. The Jaguars are also 0-2 at home so far this season, something Eastern could capitalize on since IUPUI is hosting them. IUPUI has 10 of its players from last season on the roster this season.

Eastern’s freshman players have played well so far this season Freddie O’Brien has been in the No. 1 spot in the team’s lineup in singles matches and has fought well against Eastern’s opponents’ best players, getting some wins along the way. Marko Stefan Janjusic has also played some tough matches and gotten some wins, and Gage Kingsmith has competed well in doubles matches.

This weekend, Kercheval wants to see a better showing than the one last weekend against Illinois State University. He said the loss to ISU was very disappointing and everyone felt it.

“We only have one match this weekend so I’m looking for everyone to be all-in and have the best focus and effort we have had all year,” Kercheval said.

Dillan Schorfheide can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]