The Eastern women’s tennis team earned a perfect 9-0 win at Saint Francis Sunday, improving the Panthers to 2-0 on the season.

As for the men, Eastern fell to 1-1, following its 7-0 loss against Michigan State on Saturday.

After winning all three doubles matches, the Panther women finished the sweep with six singles victories.

John Blackburn, the Eastern director of tennis and women’s coach said the team improved from its first match.

“Our goal was to improve from our first match and in some significant areas we did just that,” Blackburn said in a press release.

Blackburn said although the women’s team is off to a 2-0 start, it could still improve.

“Every time we play we learn some things, so we’ll get back to work tomorrow to continue to develop this team as we look forward to our next match on Friday,” he said.

Senior Janelle Prisner led the way with a number one victory in her singles match over Princess Clemente, 6-1 and 6-2, respectively.

In doubles play, it was the pairs of Prisner and Sephora Boulbahaiem, Ali Foster and Hannah Kimbrough, while Kelly Iden and Kamile Stadalninkaite closed the door with a doubles-win of their own.

The men’s team was swept in straight sets in singles play, while also losing three doubles matches to the Spartans.

Eric Stark, the men’s coach, said the Panthers did not take advantage of their opportunities, but learned a lot in the match.

“We have taken another step forward and now know what we need to do to get to the next level,” Stark said in a press release.

Every Panther lost in straight sets of their respective singles matches.

Double’s partners Kevin Bauman and Robert Skolik extended their doubles match the longest of the Panthers, but ultimately lost 8-5.

The Panther men will next travel to both Ball State and Saint Francis on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

The women’s team returns to the court at 2 p.m. Friday, as the Panther’s host Southern Illinois-Carbondale in Danville.

Jack Sheehan can be reached at jpsheehan2@eiu.edu.