With limited action seen in the fall season by the men’s and women’s tennis teams, players had to impress their coach early on and have success.


From the start of fall, head coach of both the men and women’s teams, John Blackburn has preached to his players that competing is most important when the teams set foot on the tennis court.

The women’s team started its season at the SIU-E Fall Invitational. It was there where freshman Ali Foster and senior Kristen Laird were paired up for the first time.


The duo won the No. 2 Doubles Flight, winning their first match 9-7 and then cruising past their last two opponents 8-3 and 8-2.

Foster and Laird remain undefeated in doubles play this year sporting a 4-0 record.

Sophomore Sephora Boulbahaiem has also been impressive in singles play.


The sophomore had a 2-1 record at the No. 1 Singles Flight in Edwardsville and followed that performance with wins in singles play against Southern Indiana and in doubles alongside freshman Hannah Kimbrough.


The highlight of the fall season for the women was their performance against the Screaming Eagles.

On the last day of September, the women invaded Evansville, Ind. 


When the sun came down, the Panthers returned home with an 8-1 victory over Southern Indiana.


“We have made progress since the beginning of the season and we have been more competitive,” Blackburn said.

The men’s team started off the season at the Wright State Fall Tournament in singles play, sporting a 12-14 record. 


In doubles action, they reached the B and C Flight finals that included a first place finish by the duo of freshman Robert Skolik and senior captain Warren Race.

Race and Skolik remain paired together and were also victorious in their only other doubles match against Missouri St. Louis.


Despite there being new faces on the team, Blackburn said he has been impressed by the doubles teams as they have been playing great.

Blackburn said the team continues to work on their individual skill set during practice.


“Although we are in a team environment it is important to work on each player’s game since they are all different,” Blackburn said. “We still need to work on decision making and shot selection.” 


Race said the freshman have stepped up so far and have learned from the more experienced players.


“The season has seen a lot of progress and it shows promise for the spring,” Race said.

Aldo Soto can be reached at 581-2812 or asoto2@eiu.edu.