The depth of the men’s tennis team was tested at the University of Illinois-Springfield. The Panthers were competing without No. 1 singles player Chuck LeVaque and his No. 1 doubles partner Brandon Lenfert because of a one-match suspension.

Despite being short-handed, Eastern won a close match 5-4 against the NAIA Prairie Stars.

Both Division I and NAIA play a total of nine matches but NAIA rules count each doubles match for a point rather than giving only one point for winning two out of the three matches like in Division I.

Despite playing at a lower level than D-I, head coach John Blackburn refused to underestimate the Prairie Stars.

“Just because they are NAIA doesn’t necessarily mean they are not as good,” he said. “There are plenty of quality NAIA teams out there. (UIS) played really well today.”

According to Blackburn, court space was limited so singles were played first.

This would turn out to heighten the intensity of the match as the Panthers and the Prairie Stars were tied 3-3 after the six singles matches and doubles play would decide the winner.

Chris Thomas and his recently healed knee combined with Sean Bush to take the first doubles point, 8-2.

Two freshmen rose to the challenge as Vuk Milicevic and Jordan Nestrud took the second doubles point 8-3 and sealed the victory for the Panthers.

With LeVaque and Lenfert not making the journey because of a team rules violation, the men’s singles roster was shaken up.

Milicevic, who usually competes at No. 2 singles, was promoted to No. 1 and won his match 6-2, 6-1.

Chris Thomas re-entered singles play at No. 2 after the training staff deemed his shaky knee to be strong enough to play. His return was in a losing effort as he lost in three sets 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

“Chris’ knee looked strong. He held up real well,” said Blackburn.

Junior Ryan Blakenbacker was not as fortunate as Thomas, as his knee injury has yet to heal and he will not be cleared to play until after spring break.

Missing three regular contributors, coach Blackburn had to juggle the rest of his roster and his decisions paid off with two more victories at No. 3 and No. 4 singles.

Sophomore Ryan Bush won at No. 3 6-4, 6-2 and freshman Jordon Nestrud won in three sets 6-1, 5-7, 6-4.

The men will be back in action this Friday at 2 p.m. in the Panthers first home match of the season.

Darling Courts will serve as host to the visiting Southern Illinois Salukis.