It was a tough weekend for the Panthers’ tennis teams as both squads fought for their Ohio Valley Conference tournament lives but fell short dropping both matches this weekend.

Both the men and women started the weekend off on the road Saturday as they traveled to take on Murray State (5-11, 2-4 OVC).

The men (4-15, 1-6 OVC) lost a close match to their conference foes 4-3 with the three points coming out of singles.

Senior Jeff Rutherford and freshmen Justin Haag and Michael Sperry picked up the points for the Panthers.

Haag and Sperry won in dominant fashion, winning in straight sets, and Rutherford pulled out a grinder winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.

The men then traveled home to play host to Austin Peay (6-5, 2-4 OVC) yesterday on Darling Courts.

In order to qualify to the OVC Tournament, the Panthers had to win the match, but they fell short again losing another close one 4-3.

Rutherford was disappointed after the match and knows what the loss means.

“It means that we are not going to make the OVC tournament this year,” Rutherford said. “It’s kind of tough because I have made it every year I’ve been a part of this program.”

Even after a tough loss to end the season, Rutherford still found some weekend highlights.

“I thought we fought pretty hard this weekend and definitely showed some positive things out on the court that we can build upon for next year,” Rutherford said.

This was Rutherford’s last season as a Panther as he will be graduating this year.

He had a few things to pass down to his teammates for next year.

“Each individual should try to constantly improve,” Rutherford said. “Play over the summer to gain more confidence, so they can play more aggressively out here in the matches, therefore turn in results.”

The women (6-12, 3-6 OVC) had the same results this weekend, with their tournament fate in their own hands.

They traveled to Murray State (8-10, 5-4 OVC) and fell short, getting swept 7-0.

Like the men, the women traveled back home yesterday to face Austin Peay (15-3, 7-1 OVC).

However, they were swept again.

Freshman Kristen Laird was disappointed the team did not win once this weekend to fall short of the OVC Tournament.

“It’s disappointing that we could have pulled it out, but we played hard,” Laird said. “We fought to the end.”

Laird also felt like they played well, but doesn’t feel like the score reflects their efforts.

“We could have fought a little longer but we played good,” Laird said. “The score 0-7 does reflect of how we played.”

Both squads will be looking to improve their game for next season over the summer.

“You get better in practice, just keep giving it all and it will come around,” Rutherford said.

Dane Urban can be reached at 581-7944 or dcurban@eiu.edu.