The Eastern volleyball team will look to break a six-match losing streak and also pick up its first conference win Tuesday afternoon against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. 

In fact, both teams are searching for their first wins against OVC opponents this season. 

Eastern will be back at home for the first time since Sept. 19, and head coach Sara Thomas said that being back in Lantz Arena after opening conference play on the road could be beneficial. 

“Any time you’re at home its always an advantage,” she said. “We get to play in our comfort area in front of our fans, and be able be in our normal routine, it’s always a benefit.”

Eastern has struggled a bit in conference play, winning just one set in the four matches. 

Thomas said that the team is still adjusting to conference play, especially with the team’s newer players still being new to the OVC. 

“Conference play is way different than preseason play,” she said. “That’s an adjustment. Also, we are still in the process of growth, and being there to push each other is something that we really stress on. Opening up the first two weekends away is never easy for anybody, which was also another reason why we wanted to throw in our first midweek game at home.”

Southern Illinois-Edwardsville comes into the match Tuesday after losing its first four matches against Tennessee Tech and Austin Peay. 

Eastern played the Cougars in the final two matches last season, losing both 3-0. 

Thomas said in order for the Panthers to bounce back with a win Tuesday, they need to stick to their process. 

“I’m looking forward to just getting out there and continuing to work on our process of all our players thinking together within our system, and that’s what we are mainly focused on. Continuing to get better together within the system that we play.”

The match is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in Lantz Arena.

Adam Tumino can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].