The Illinois State mens tennis team (2-3) will look to end their three match losing streak and raise their record above the .500 mark this Saturday, in matches with Depaul (2-9) and conference rival Bradley (0-4) in Peoria, Ill.
The Redbirds losing streak has not been to pushovers, however, as they lost to a very tough Northern Illinois team and two top 60 ranked teams in New Mexico and Texas Tech last weekend.
Coach Greg Kennett realizes that the level of competition that his team has been playing at is very high, and is not worried about the early losses.
The last three teams that we played were excellent teams, said Kennett. I think that the losses have motivated us to perform very well this weekend.
Djordje Uskokovic, Illinois States number one player, is only 3-5 this early spring season after going 5-3 in the fall season, but is looking to get back to his winning ways this weekend. Coach Greg Kennett is still very high on his top player, despite his early struggles.
Djordje is playing in a tough spot as a freshman in the number one position, Kennett expressed. He is competing well with the top players and just has to believe in himself a little more at times.
The match against Bradley will mark the first Missouri Valley Conference match-up of the spring season for Illilnois State. The Birds were ranked third in the MVC preseason poll, and Bradley was projected in the seventh position.
The Redbirds will face Depaul at 12 p.m. and Bradley at 5 p.m. Saturday at the David Markin Tennis Courts in Peoria.
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