After returning from a trip to his native South Africa, Jason Smit will return to action to lead the Illinois State mens tennis team against Vincennes University Friday at the Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington, Ill.
The Redbirds fared well without their senior captain last week, splitting matches against The Citadel and College of Charleston to bring their overall season record to 5-5. Coach Greg Kennett hopes to use this match to get over the .500 mark and gain momentum as the team enters conference play.
Vincennes is a strong junior college team that is well coached, said Kennett. We really hope to play well and get on a roll as the season comes to a close.
The Birds are looking for their top player, freshman Djordje Uskokovic, to turn around what has been a frustrating spring season. Uskokovic went 5-2 in the fall season, but has struggled this spring, going 3-10. Kennett feels that Uskokovic is primed for a breakthrough performance against Vincennes.
We all still have a lot of faith in Djordje, said Kennett. We feel that by the time conference play starts rolling,
he will be playing his best tennis of the year.
Doubles play is set to begin at 2:30 p.m., with singles matches to follow immediately.
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