After dropping its last three matches to fall to 4-7 in dual match play, the Illinois State mens tennis team is looking to pull off an upset this weekend against Florida Atlantic. The Owls are currently ranked No. 44 in the nation.
Marek Blaskovic and Ciaran Foley will lead the Redbirds into battle. So far this spring, both Blaskovic and Foley have proven themselves as the most consistent players in the Redbirds lineup. Playing most of his matches at No. 5 sinlges, Blaskovic has compiled a record of 7-7 this spring.
Playing most of his matches at No. 4 singles, Foley has compiled a record of 7-8 this spring. In addition he and teammate Ben Pettinari improved to 4-1 in dual match play with a victory at No. 2 doubles last weekend.
Coach Greg Kennett is pleased with the performances he has been getting from both Blaskovic and Foley.
We have been getting some consistent efforts from Marek and Ciaran, said Kennett. Marek and Ciaran have really been playing very well for us.
Once again, the Redbirds will have to be at their best this weekend. Although the Owls will be the fifth top 75 team the Redbirds have faced in dual match play, they will surely be the Redbirds toughest competition to date.
They are a great team with some great players lower in their lineup, said Kennett. They can compete with anyone in the nation.
Florida Atlantic boasts a record of 7-1 in dual match play. Throughout the season, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) has ranked them as low as No. 33 in the nation. Their biggest victory to date was a 4-3 win over then No. 18 Miami, and their only loss came at the hands of then No. 61 Wisconsin. Martin Jirak leads the Owls with an overall record of 5-0 in dual match play.
The Redbirds will battle Florida Atlantic on Monday, March 11, at 2 p.m. in Boca Raton, Florida.
