It’s too early to be taking any predictive stances or to be making any claims, but if the past weekend is any kind of sign about the rest of the season, then it’s safe to say the volleyball team is looking at a better season.

Excuse me, I meant to say a much better season and a bright outlook for the future as well.

Here’s the thing- yes, they didn’t win the Southern Methodist University Tournament this past weekend, but they put up some impressive wins and numbers.

The Panthers went 2-1, only losing to SMU, through a grueling 5-game competition.

Eastern swept Western Carolina (3-0) and McNeese State (3-0).

The one problem I do see is the way the Panthers lost to SMU. It was in heartbreaking fashion, as Eastern took a two game lead. Last season, the Panthers would take an early lead in the series, but then end up falling behind and eventually losing.

That was all too common for last year’s squad as they ended up finishing 3-13 in the Ohio Valley Conference and 8-19 overall.

But Saturday’s matchup against the Mustangs was incredibly close and it really could have gone either way.

Losing always stings, but there are many things to be happy about.

One of those things would the consistency from the returning starters.

Senior outside hitter Eliza Zwettler had two double-doubles on Saturday with 17 kills and 17 digs in both match-ups, not to mention her 12 kill, 12 dig double-double performance on Friday.

Sophomore libero Shaina Boylan had 13 digs on Friday and then on Saturday had a combined 27 digs for both match-ups, leading all players for the day.

But one of the most impressive factors was the play of the freshmen.

Kelsey Orr and Alex Zwettler had their first double-doubles of their brief Eastern careers. Orr had two service aces as well as having 13 kills and 15 digs. Zwettler nearly earned her first double-double on Friday, but did so on Saturday when she had 19 kills and 12 digs.

With such good performances by the freshmen, head coach Lori Bennett must be a little excited to see her young players performing so well right away.

Consistency and more play like this will be key in coming away with a successful season.

The Panthers host the EIU Pepsi Challenge Tournament this upcoming weekend and get a chance to show they have improved again, except this time, they will be at home and that has to be encouraging to the players and coaching staff.

As much as losing to SMU hurt, it does not feel quite as bad when you consider the improvement of play and depth that the Panthers have had this year.