Eastern’s women’s tennis team did not qualify for the OVC tournament, but this year’s team knew how important team unity, hard- work and never giving up meant. These are all qualities tennis Director Chris Tolson wanted these players to have since he took over last fall. He knew these players could compete against the best and be able to make the most of of any matches. 

Seniors Abby Carpenter and Srishti Slaria finished their careers last weekend for the Panthers.

Carpenter’s last couple weeks showed the team’s attitude of never giving up until the final point when two of her last four matches came down to a first to seven point third set.

Slaria finished her senior year with her 47th win, which made her the seventh most wins in Eastern history. Slaria never kept a count of how many wins she had, but she always wanted to give her best no matter the results.

“Obviously, I wanted to win each time I went on the court, but keeping records was never my thing,” Slaria said. “I feel grateful and extremely happy that I was able to achieve this feat.”

Slaria will forever cherish her four years on the tennis team. Slaria learned what it meant to be a part of a team and how to support and encourage each of her teammates here at Eastern.

“Each year has been a ride and a wonderful journey,” Slaria said. “Giving my best on the court not just for myself but for my teammates and coaches is something that I will take away. All the beautiful memories, happy and sad times have taught me that life just goes on, and we must adapt and keep working towards getting better.”

This season showed glimpses of what can come for next years team.

Sophomore Rachel Papavasilopoulos went 28-5 overall  at the No. 1 singles slot this year. Her record in her first two years a Panther is currently 42-12 in overall play and currently tied for 10th in overall wins in school history.

The Panthers’ combined schedule record stayed the same at .500, but the team’s match win percentage increased from the 2017-2018 season to this year’s season. In singles, the percentage raised from .505 winning percentage to .516.

In doubles play, the Panthers improved from the last year. At the end of the 2018 season, the team was 40-57 in doubles play. This season the Panthers improved to 47-43 in doubles play.

The Panthers will have from now until early September next fall to work individually during the offseason and bring the mentality of team unity, grit and the refusal to give up to next years team when fall season begins.

Blake Faith can be reached at 581-2812 or bmfaith@eiu.edu