WATCH

CHENEY, Wash. – The Eastern Washington University men's tennis team kicks off the 2021 spring schedule on the road as they look to face Gonzaga this Saturday (Jan. 23) at 3 p.m. Pacific time at the Stevens Center in Spokane, Wash.

"I am excited to get the season going after such a long layoff," said head coach Jared Burnham. "It will be interesting to see how the guys compete and play in a real match after this long. We are ready for a great match with Gonzaga University."

EWU has an overall series record of 36-31 versus Gonzaga and is currently sitting at a six-match losing streak with their last victory dating back to February of 2012. Last season, the Eagles battled the Bulldogs to a 6-0 deficit on the road.

The Bulldogs are currently 1-0 overall after hosting Whitworth to a 7-0 victory last week at the Stevens Center. Gonzaga is led by head coach Jonas Piibor who enters his third season at the helm. Before the 2020 season was cut short, Piibor led the Zags to its best home dual record of 5-0 in program history.

The Eagles are coached by Jared Burnham who is in his second season at Eastern Washington. Last year, the Eagles found a victory in their last match as they hosted Idaho State to a 5-2 conference-win, ending the season with a 2-9 overall and 1-3 conference record.

EWU lost only one senior in Mikayel Khachatryan, who finished last season with a 2-1 mark in conference action. Six players return this season, including two seniors in Martin Bats and Jeremy Mueller.  The Eagles also return juniors Manuel Balce and Wout Doumen, along with sophomores Erik Grimes and Bruno Ortega. Additionally, Eastern Washington welcomes one newcomer in Ryan Isgatt.

Following this match, the Eagles take on Washington on Wednesday Jan. 27 for a double header with the first match set to begin at 2 p.m. PT and the second at 5 p.m. PT in Seattle, Wash.