Illinois State mens tennis head coach Greg Kennett needs leadership at the No. 1 doubles position from upperclassmen Ben Pettinari and Djordje Uskokovic, as the Redbirds spend their Spring Break in the Lone Star State, where they will face off against four schools in a six day stretch.
The tour begins with a March 12 meeting against Southern Methodist, followed by a match up with Tyler Junior College on March 13. After a days break, the Birds will resume play against Montana State on March 15, ending the long road trip with a match at Lamar on March 17.
Doubles play used to be a topic of concern for Kennett and his team. However, since Uskokovic and Pettinari took over the No. 1 position, the Redbirds have won four of the last five doubles points and the duo has gone 4-1, in that stretch.
They are playing and working very well as a team, Kennett said. They fight together in close matches, and they are the key to our doubles play.
This road trip will give the Birds their first opportunity to play outside this year. An opportunity Kennett is looking forward to.
We finally get a chance to play outdoors and face the elements, Kennett said. With conference play coming up, it is important for us to play some tough matches outdoors and get used to the different atmosphere.
Kennett also expects to resolve some mental breakdowns the team has had in singles matches.
We have a tendency to relax after the first set, Kennett said. After we win the first set we lose focus and have mental breakdowns. We must keep that sense of urgency up, and finish out matches.
