The Eastern men’s tennis team had another busy weekend on its hands, hosting the Eastern Illinois Fall Invite, while also competing in the Toledo Men’s Rocket Invite.

The Panthers are displaying that dominance the team had a year ago, as senior Freddie O’Brien and junior Mike Jansen both earned All-Tournament team honors.

O’Brien notched 15 wins at the No. 1 singles position last year, and he’s not slowing down, topping Cole Shoults of Toldeo 6-3, 3-6, 10-3 in singles action, while also teaming up with senior Gage Kingsmith in doubles play, securing a 2-1 record.

The tandem posted victories over Chicago State (6-3, 6-3) and Valparaiso (6-2, 6-1).

Jansen on the other hand won his singles match as well, 6-2, 6-4. He was not finished, though, also reeling off a win over Laurentiu Mandocescu of Youngstown State (4-6, 7-6, 11-9).

At Darling Courts, the results are also worth noting.

Senior Gertjan De Wilder seemed unstoppable, taking four singles matches in flight 2 to win the consolation bracket in flight 2 singles. Sophomore Luka Knieling padded his stats with victories in 3 matches in flight 2 singles.

Freshman Kyle Burton wasted no time showing is ability, grabbing the consolation men’s title earning four match wins in flight 4 singles.

However, in doubles action it was the opposite results.

Lewis University won flights 1 and 2 for the doubles title, while relishing off singles titles for flight 1 and 2, and Southern Indiana rounded it out, claiming flights 3 and 4.

Last season, Jansen dealt with a nagging wrist injury that kept him out of action on two separate occasions, but now that’s in the rearview mirror, and he’s feeling great.

“Better than last year,” Jansen said. “Feeling a lot stronger and ready for this season and the first tournament went well. Played some good matches and felt stronger on court than last year. Team got bigger, more quality and most of us are working hard to get better every day. Feels great being able to compete without any health issues and just go full send.”

Despite De Wilder’s productive results, he’s not satisfied.

“Nothing special,” he said. “Didn’t play very well, but just tried the best possible. I think I was mentally stronger than some of my opponents at some important points.

The Panthers will stay put this weekend, as they host their annual alumni match at the Darling Courts Saturday at 10 a.m.

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