The Eastern men’s tennis team earned its first win of the season at Chicago State in their fourth match of the year and notched a 5-2 win.

Eastern started things off on the right foot in doubles play with freshmen Logan Charbonneau and Jared Woodson winning 6-3 over Rohan Wattley and George Botha.

Panthers took the No. 3 doubles match by default, securing the doubles point and a 1-0 match lead.

This was the first time these two teamed up together in doubles play, and Charbonneau liked everything about the match against Chicago State, and loves playing with his teammates.

“The team stepped up (Tuesday),” Charbonneau said. “Freddie is looking great, Grant (Reiman) got a come-back win today and Braden is getting some good momentum at his spot too. Jared is an incredible player to play dubs with and I’m just happy that I’m fortunate enough to be playing with these guys.”

In singles action, Freddie O’Brien continues to roll, earning his third straight match for the Panthers at the No. 1 singles, compiling a 3-1 record in that position and a 5-7 record overall on the year.

The only loss for O’Brien is to a nationally ranked player in the season opener at Indiana.

Braden Davis picked up another win, at the No. 5 singles against Cody Wurzelbach 6-1, 6-1, and senior Jared Woodson picked up his first win of the season for the Panthers at No. 6 singles by default.

With the match in hand, senior Grant Reiman would also win his first of the spring season at the No. 4 position against Christian Gonzalez in three sets, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Eastern coach Sam Kercheval was proud of the way “his guy’s” competed, and earned their first win

“Results like these are going to pay off, but you don’t know when they’re going to pay off,” Kercheval said. “We knew this match was definitely winnable, but I was really proud of the guys coming out and getting to work.”

Up to this point, Eastern’s point total went up every match, earning one point against Ball State and two points against IUPUI. Freddie O’Brien has been a big part of that, and Kercheval has taken notice.

“Freddie has really figured out what tools have been given to him,” he said. “He’s done really well the last three matches, finding the right seam he can control, he’s been very calm and has had a nice change of pace.”

Eastern returns to the court with two matches this weekend against Wright State and Dayton, and Kercheval said returning most of their players from last season will help in this long trip.

“It helps because the guys are seeing they can do things that they knew they could do at the beginning of the season.” Kercheval said. “The guys know how to win, but its definitely a good step in the right direction, to see what we can do in conference.”

Eastern now sits at 1-3 on the season.

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