Tuesday marks the fourth of 11 straight matches on the road for the men’s tennis team, who have not been so lucky to start the spring schedule.

Eastern is 0-3 to start the spring season, with losses coming from Indiana, Ball State and Indiana-Purdue.

In last year’s meeting against Chicago State, Eastern lost 4-3, which snapped a seven-game winning streak that was held since 2001.

This match could come at the right time for senior Jared Woodson. Woodson currently has not won a match in the spring schedule, but did earn a win against Chicago State last season in three sets.

Currently coming into this season, sophomore Freddie O’Brien continues to impress over the two matches. He earned a win against Ball State, and earned another win in singles play against Indiana-Purdue University Indianapolis and earned a win in doubles play.

O’Brien is now 2-1 at the No. 1 position and is 1-2 with partner Grant Reiman in doubles play, earning all three wins the Panthers have earned this season.

While the Panthers try to salvage their 0-3 record on the road this season, the Panthers are 1-18 on the road since the start of last season.

Chicago State also has not fared well on the young season, starting out 1-2. The Cougars won its first match against St. Francis, but lost two to Green Bay and Cardinal Stritch.

Despite losing two in a row, Chicago State is 1-1 at home.

Rohan Wattley has been the Cougars’ best player so far this year, compiling an 8-4 record in singles play, while Christian Gonzalez is second on the team with an 8-6 record.

In doubles play it’s more of the same for Gonzalez, he teams up with Felix Savard, and have a 7-4 record together, while being undefeated at the No. 1 position at 3-0.

Tuesday’s match starts a one at the Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet and Fitness Club.

Vince Lovergine can be reached at 581-2812 or vplovergine@eiu.edu