The Illinois State mens tennis team opens its spring season this weekend with matches at Louisville on Friday and Western Kentucky on Saturday.
Head coach Greg Kennett feels that after winning several matches on a recent trip to South Africa his team is ready to compete with Louisville, ranked No. 37 in the ITA poll.
Louisville is an up and coming program and well have our hands full, Kennett said. Our top guys had some great wins on our trip, and I think they can beat anyone if the time is right. A win over Louisville could put us in the national rankings.
The Redbirds, the No. 8 team in Region V, appear to be evenly matched with Saturdays opponent Western Kentucky.
Western Kentucky is a lot like us, Kennett said. They are a pretty good team. Well be playing on a quick surface which may be a concern.
Illinois States lineup includes Ricky Heath, Jason Smit, Yew Ming Si, Brent Steven and Albert Piasecki in the top five singles spots. Newcomer Thommas de Liefde or sophomore Andy Martin are possibilities in the No. 6 slot.
Heath pairs with Si at No. 1 doubles while Smit and Steven, ranked No. 44 in the nation, play No. 2 and Piasecki and Martin team up at No. 3.
Play begins at 5:00 p.m. Friday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday.
