After falling to Wichita State 5-2 in its last Missouri Valley Conference match, the Illinois State mens tennis team is looking to finish out Valley competition on a high note this weekend against Bradley, Southern Illinois and Evansville.
The Redbirds will host the Braves on Friday, April 19, at 2:30 p.m. on the McCormick Courts in Normal, Illinois. Following the match on Friday, the Redbirds will face the Salukis on Saturday, April 20, at 10 a.m. in Carbondale, Illinois and the Purple Aces on Sunday, April 21, at 10 a.m. in Evansville, Indiana.
Leading the way for the Redbirds will be Marek Blaskovic and Ricky Heath. Both Blaskovic and Heath played well for the Redbirds last weekend against Southwest Missouri State and Wichita State.
Blaskovic, who recorded two singles and doubles wins last weekend, has currently won five of his last six matches in Valley play at No. 6 singles. In addition, he and teammate Ciaran Foley have won six of their last seven matches in Valley play at No. 3 doubles.
Heath, who recorded two singles wins and a doubles victory last weekend, has currently won seven of his last eight matches at No. 1 and No. 2 singles to improve his spring record to 14-7.
Without question, the Redbirds will have to be at their best this weekend. Despite their records, all three of the teams they will face are tough opponents.
The Braves are currently 6-18 in dual match play and 0-6 in the Valley. The Salukis have a record of 3-9 in dual match play and are 1-5 in the Valley, while the Purple Aces hold a record of 7-9 in dual match play and are also 1-5 in the Valley.
