The Eastern men’s tennis team finished its season strong with a win over Morehead State, 4-3, but ended up in eighth place in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The Panthers finished their season with a record of 4-15, which was the same record as last year. During the season, the Panthers had two big losing streaks of six matches during the middle of the season and during the conference matches. Their record in OVC was 2-7, three wins away from making the conference tournament.

“It was disappointing that we missed the postseason tournament,” senior Ryan Henderson said.

First-year head coach Sam Kercheval said he was proud of his team for the job they did this season.

“Our win total was the same as last year but I would say we competed with stronger teams better than in the past,” Kercheval said. “We won seven doubles points this season including three of the past four we played which was a big improvement over last season.”

Henderson said that his last season was an enjoyable one and that the tennis program has potential to grow.

“It was nice that coach Kercheval brought a lot of new things to the table in practice and coaching at matches,” Henderson said. “I have no doubt that he will build up a strong program after I leave.”

Henderson also reflected on his experience growing as a person and a tennis player.

“I got mentally stronger and less emotional on the court and I learned from my past experiences in matches,” Henderson said.

The Panthers had a total of six, including a stretch of four straight, 4-3 losses this season and only one win of 4-3, which was their last game.

Henderson said that there were not that many struggles on the season just that the team lost so many close matches.

“We lost a few close matches 4-3 so that was a struggle,” Henderson said. “But it was nice that we finished up winning the final match 4-3.”

Henderson said playing with fellow seniors Rui Silva and Robert Skolik was a great experience.

“There’s no words to describe (the experience). It was a rollercoaster and we got to know each other and hopefully those relationships last the rest of my life,” Henderson said.

Tyler McCluskey can be reached at 581-2812 or trmccluskey@eiu.edu