Eastern’s women’s tennis team stumbled against Ball State and Indianapolis, putting their record at 3-4 on the season. Even though these results were not what the team wanted, this is a season far from over.

“The results were not exactly what we were hoping for, but we played two extremely tough teams, and we can take some positives going forward,” head coach Chris Tolson said. “Our focus this week is figuring out ways to win on court. Championship teams and great teams do not have losing streaks. So as competitors we need to focus finding ways to be a little better in each match and have confidence in ourselves to get the job done.”

Eastern’s pair of seniors Srishti Slaria and Rachel Papavasilopoulos won both of their matches, against Ball State and Indianapolis, but that was not enough for the doubles points.

Papavasilopoulos would win her match at number one singles, defeating Ball State’s Sarah Swiderski in three sets.

“I think everyone tried their best, and we need to just keep looking forward and working hard,” Papavasilopoulos said. “We are only 3-4 as of right now, and since it’s so early that can easily be changed. I definitely think if we keep fighting and competing we will find our groove as a team.”

The doubles pairs of senior Abby Carpenter and sophomore Claire Martin and sophomore Karla Contreras and junior Shelby Anderson suffered defeats against both teams.

“Both Abby and I need to focus on consistency this week and going forward next weekend, Martin said. “We let the other teams into the match too quickly, so if we can take our chances when we can, I think we’ll start being the ones dictating play.”

Carpenter would win at the number three singles spot against Ball State’s Livia Lukacs in two sets.

This weekend is not what this team is wanting to be defined by. Conference play has yet to begin, and Coach Tolson and the team believe that if they continue to improve, play aggressive and compete hard that the team will qualify for the OVC tournament.

The women’s tennis team will travel to Milwaukee next weekend to compete against Cardinals Stritch University and the University of Milwaukee. The team will first compete against Cardinals Stritch University this Friday at noon.
“Each match is a learning experience for the next one,” Martin said. “What happened this weekend is in the past, and we can either let that affect us, both physically and mentally, or we can reflect on them and move forward in order to improve. The losses won’t define us because we are a hard-working group.”

Blake Faith can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]