After playing six out of its last eight games on the road, the volleyball team is finally coming back to Lantz Arena Friday.

First serve is set for 7 p.m. as the Panthers will battle Tennessee Tech for the second time this season followed by a heated battle against Jacksonville State at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Eastern is still in the process of obtaining its second Ohio Valley Conference win of the season.

The Panthers have lost their last six matches, and hope to break their losing streak on home court Friday night.

“We’re looking to get a win and get back on track,” said junior outside hitter Alex Zwettler.

Tennessee Tech comes into Lantz Arena right off an emotional five set victory (20-25, 19-25, 25-11, 25-13, 25-11) against rival Tennessee State.

TTU is 3-4 in the OVC and 4-12 overall coming into Saturday’s match at Lantz Arena.

Eastern earned their last victory of the season against TTU Sept. 19 in a three-set match (28-26, 25-23, 25-22) at the Eblen Center in Tennessee.

At the time, the Panthers were 7-7 overall with a 1-1 record in the OVC. Since then, the Panthers have not been able to get above .500 and have slipped near the bottom of the conference standings.

TTU features a balanced attack led by senior outside hitter Amanda Lindgren and senior libero Katie Kenline. Kenline tallied 558 digs to lead the OVC last season, while Lindgren was named the volleyball President’s Award recipient for her performance on the court.

Saturday, the Panthers go up against Jacksonville State, who beat the Panthers in Eastern’s first OVC match of the season three sets to one (25-23, 25-13, 18-25, 25-23).

JSU have not lost since, and are currently 7-0 in the OVC to put them in first place in the conference.

The Gamecocks are on an eight game winning streak and are coming off a thrilling five-set victory (25-13, 19-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-11) against Austin Peay.

The JSU attack totaled 82 digs against Austin Peay and has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the season.

Kevin Maras can be reached at 581-7944 or kjmaras@eiu.edu.