小新地主, Based on the description above, I think this is what happened: It doesn't take much for your defedant to file a motion. He/She doesn't need an attorney. You don't get answer in this case. The defendant may file a motion with the court directly without answering you. The purpose of this motion is to give a court some explanation why the defendants failed to answer in timely manner.
In this case, you do need to go to the court unfortunatelly. If the defendant fails to show up, you will proceed with the lockout process.If the defendant shows up, you need to prepare the followings:
1) Provide solid proof that the defendant has been served in a legitimate way to prove that the defendant was served in timely manner with full awareness. If you have any email or text msg that the defendant acknowledged serving, it will some additional support evidence to show to the court.
2) Get rent payment records together such as the last payment you received, utility bills, as long as a statement showing total amount owed up to date with all details.
I am pretty sure that you will win the case. However the judge may give the defendats some extra time to move out. Good luck.