The cracking surface at Darling Courts has made some of the tennis courts unplayable.

But that won’t stop this weekend’s match against Morehead State from being held there this weekend, said head coach John Blackburn.

Water got underneath the surface of the court and caused cracking during the winter, Blackburn said.

The courts are 10 years old and Blackburn said as they age it is easier for this kind of thing to happen.

“It is unfortunate that some courts got cracked throughout the winter, but there is nothing we can do except work around it,” said freshman Hayley Homburg.

Three courts are still playable but Blackburn said the matches would take longer because not all courts are going to be used.

With only three courts, Blackburn said he is expecting both the men’s and women’s match to each take around four hours.

“The time it will take is a little inconvenient but there is no reason we can’t get things done,” Blackburn said.

Senior Madina Mambetova said they have played at places with only two courts before and although it takes longer, it is not that big of a deal.

Senior Chuck Levaque said the match taking longer isn’t bad because there will be more time for teammates to watch each other’s matches.

Levaque said the three doubles’ matches would still go first, followed by No. 1, 2 and 3 singles.

No. 4 singles will then wait for the first available court and the same goes for No. 5 and 6.

“When I am done then, I can go and cheer on everybody else,” Levaque said. “Yeah, it will take longer but it is kind of worth it.”

In the past, Eastern used all six courts at Darling Courts, with the men and women playing at the same time.

Blackburn said he is unsure as to how long the courts will remain cracked because repair is being negotiated for the time being.

There was some talk of moving this weekend’s match to the Champaign Park and Recreation District Indoor Facility.

Eastern talked with Morehead State and Morehead decided it would rather take the extra time out on the court than travel for another hour and play indoors, Blackburn said.

The match this weekend will mark the start of Ohio Valley Conference play for Eastern and the Panthers are glad they get to play at home.

“Before we weren’t sure if we were going to play at home or not and we were all hoping for home,” Mambetova said. “It is really great to not have to travel, even if it is just an hour.”

Junior Stephanie Harmazy said coming off the win at Bradley also adds to that confidence level and makes them more excited going into this weekend.

“Both teams are coming off really strong wins with the women at Bradley and the men at Illinois State and Indianapolis last weekend,” Blackburn said. “Because of those wins we are going into this weekend with more confidence and toughness.”