Ricky Heath and Jason Smit look to improve on strong performances at the Western Michigan Invite last weekend as they lead Illinois State into their toughest battle yet at the ITA All-American Tournament in Atlanta, GA.
The prequalifying stage of the ITA All-American Tournament will begin on Friday, October 5 and run until Monday, October 8.
The field consists of 256 singles players and 128 doubles teams fighting to advance to the top eight in the single elimination prequalifying stage. Those advancing to the top eight will then play in the qualifying stage of the tournament on October 9 and 10.
Coach Greg Kennett is excited to see what his players can do against the best of the best.
The tournament is very difficult, said Kennett. All the best players in the country are at this tournament.
At last years tournament, Heath and Yew Ming Si advanced to the qualifying stage with three doubles wins in the prequalifying stage. Smit and teammate Brent Steven also advanced to the qualifying stage with three doubles wins in the prequalifying stage.
Last weekend, Heath won two out of three singles matches and improved his overall record to 5-2. In addition, he and teammate Ciaran Foley defeated Paul Glendenning and Ray VanWasbeek of Northern Illinois (8-5) at No. 2 doubles.
Smit also won two out of three sinlges matches last weekend and improved his overall record to 4-2. Further, he and Steven defeated Juan Barriga and Aaron Forsberg of Northern Illinois (8-6) at No. 1 doubles.
