After dropping its last four matches to fall to 4-8 in dual match play, the Illinois State mens tennis team will be looking to return to its winning ways this weekend against St. Louis and Creighton. The Redbirds match against Creighton will mark the start of Missouri Valley Conference play.
Leading the way for the Redbirds will be Ciaran Foley and Ben Pettinari. So far this spring, Foley has compiled a singles record of 8-8 while Pettinari has compiled a singles record of 5-11. Further, the two have combined to amass a 4-2 record at No. 2 doubles.
Overall, coach Greg Kennett is happy with the way both Foley and Pettinari have played this spring. However, he is looking for more consistency from the core of his lineup. He feels the play of Foley and Pettinari will be critical to the Redbirds success this weekend.
Ciaran and Ben are really beginning to play well for us, said Kennett. Ben is usually the wild-card as far as consistency goes, but if he plays like we know he can, we will be fine.
In addition to Foley and Pettinari, coach Kennett realizes the rest of his team will have to be at their best this weekend. Both the Billikens and the Bluejays are strong opponents.
St. Louis is a much improved team that has done very well this season, said Kennett. Creighton is a team that knows how to fight hard, and they always fight to the end.
The Redbirds will face both St. Louis and Creighton on Saturday, March 23, in St. Louis, Missouri.
